Images Show Collapsed Roof, Submerged Cars as Heavy Rains Lash Northeast
Torrential rain and flash flooding slammed parts of the Northeast on Monday, leaving roads underwater, stranding motorists and causing structural damage as powerful storms swept across New York, New Jersey and surrounding areas.
Dramatic images and videos circulating online showed cars nearly submerged in floodwaters and the roof of a wholesale club collapsing under the deluge’s weight. No injuries were reported in the roof collapse, local law enforcement aid.
The slow-moving storm system continues to pound the tri-state region after a weekend of severe weather, bringing rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour in some locations and raising fears of major flooding across transportation networks, including New York City‘s subway system.
Throughout the country, nearly half a million people remain without power due to severe weather, heavy rainstorms and high temperatures.
Flash flood warnings were issued for parts of New York City, New Jersey and Long Island as the storms moved through the region Monday. Officials also warned of life-threatening flooding in the region following the October deaths of two men in basement apartments amid historic rains.
Dramatic Video and Images
Video shared on social media showed the moment shoppers at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in New Jersey were slammed by a wall of water as the building’s roof collapsed.
According to Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorrentino and Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, emergency crews were dispatched to the store on Route 35 at approximately 11:16 a.m. after receiving reports that part of the roof had collapsed.
There were 27 people inside the building at the time. Two individuals were partially trapped in the collapse but managed to free themselves and safely exit the structure.
Rainfall Totals Already Mounting
The flooding is the latest example of extreme weather striking the Northeast after days of intense heat and repeated rounds of thunderstorms.
Rain had already accumulated across much of the region by Monday afternoon, with several locations reporting multiple inches of rain before the storm’s heaviest bands arrived. Emergency officials warned that saturated ground and additional downpours could quickly worsen flooding conditions, particularly in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
Forecasts called for widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches across parts of the Northeast, with isolated locations potentially receiving 4 inches or more, increasing the risk of flash flooding, road closures and travel disruptions.
Emergency managers in New Jersey reported flooded roads and water rescues, while weather officials warned that flash flooding was already occurring in multiple counties.
All westbound lanes of New York’s Belt Parkway were briefly closed due to flooding conditions before being reopened on Monday afternoon, according to a post on X from the New York City Police Department.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Samantha Beech and Sam Wilson.
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This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 3:10 PM.