As heat wave breaks, flash flood warnings issued for parts of New York City and Northeast

Torrential rains and flash floods are providing relief from a punishing heat wave that had gripped New York City and much of the Northeast. As storms swept through the region, flash flood warnings were issued on Monday for areas including New York, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.

Just days after Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged New Yorkers to take precautions against heatstroke and directed them to cooling centers, his focus shifted dramatically. By Monday, he was advising residents in basement apartments to evacuate immediately if water levels began to rise. The downpours caused significant disruption, stranding vehicles on flooded highways in northern New Jersey and leading to a partial roof collapse at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township.

Video footage from the store captured the moment the bakery's roof caved in, unleashing a torrent of water that swept across tables of baked goods and sent a shopper with a cart skidding. Fortunately, two individuals who were briefly trapped managed to escape unharmed, according to the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office. A local police captain described the situation as "nothing too serious," but noted that emergency services were constantly responding to calls.

The severe storms marked the end of a brutal heat dome that had settled over the Northeast. LaGuardia Airport in New York recorded a scorching high of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) on Thursday. The oppressive heat persisted even at night, with low temperatures in many areas barely dipping below 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 C), offering little respite. Officials in New Jersey are investigating at least 29 deaths that are potentially linked to the extreme heat. These individuals, aged 30s to 80s, were found deceased in their homes, many lacking air conditioning, or on the street. Official confirmation of the cause of death awaits autopsies and further investigation.

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Nothing too serious. They have us running from call to call.