‘Turn around, don’t drown’: US officials warn as floods disrupt New York and Atlanta

New York: Severe thunderstorms caused widespread disruption across parts of New York City, New Jersey and Atlanta on Wednesday, triggering flood advisories, flash flood warnings and major transport disruptions as heavy rainfall inundated roads, subway stations and highways.

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory for several areas across New York City and northeast New Jersey after thunderstorms dumped between one and two inches of rain within a short period. Officials warned that additional rainfall could worsen flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods and areas with poor drainage.

The advisory covered parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, Hudson County and Union County. Communities expected to face flooding included Jersey City, Jamaica, Elizabeth, Freeport, Long Beach, Valley Stream, Forest Hills, Crown Heights and Rockaway Beach. Areas near Kennedy Airport and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge were also placed under alert.

The severe weather disrupted subway operations in Queens, where flooding at a station affected public transport services. According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the E line experienced delays while F train services were partially suspended as crews worked to remove water from the affected station.

Emergency authorities urged residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid travel unless necessary. NYC Emergency Management warned people to stay away from windows, rooftops, balconies, plumbing and electrical equipment because of the threat posed by lightning and strong winds.

“Call 911 if you are in immediate danger, trapped by rising water, or see a life-threatening situation,” the agency said in a public advisory.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also issued an alert after severe thunderstorm warnings and flood advisories were announced for the city.

At the same time, parts of Atlanta, Georgia remained under a Flash Flood Warning as heavy rainfall flooded major roads and stranded vehicles across the city. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed motorists trapped on flooded stretches of Interstate 75 and Interstate 85 near downtown Atlanta.

One local journalist described the situation on social media, writing: “Wild stuff on the Connector in Atlanta. Drivers on I-75/I-85 trying to make it through the flooding and getting trapped.”

Another widely shared clip showed a driver climbing out through a vehicle sunroof after floodwater surrounded multiple stranded cars.

Traffic movement across Atlanta’s Downtown Connector was severely affected during rush hour after storm drains became overwhelmed by heavy rainfall. Several vehicles were partially submerged as water levels rapidly rose on the highways.

Fox 5 Atlanta later reported that emergency crews successfully reopened northbound lanes near the Baker Street overpass after clearing debris and floodwater from the roads.

Residents from other parts of the Atlanta metropolitan region, however, reported receiving little or no rainfall, highlighting how localised the storm activity had become.

The City of Atlanta said emergency teams were actively monitoring conditions and coordinating with the Georgia Department of Transportation to respond to roadway hazards, drainage problems and public safety concerns.

Authorities also advised residents to avoid driving through standing water and repeatedly issued the warning: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Officials confirmed that the city’s Integrated Command Center was being used to coordinate emergency response efforts and monitor weather conditions in real time.

Flash flood warnings and severe thunderstorm alerts remained active across parts of Georgia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania late Wednesday night as authorities continued urging residents to stay alert and monitor weather updates closely.