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Torrential Rain Triggers Flash Flooding in New York and New Jersey
Heavy storms on Monday flooded roads, stranded drivers and caused a wholesale club roof to collapse in New Jersey. Nearly 500,000 people lost power across the country. No injuries were reported at the store.
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Torrential rain and flash flooding struck parts of the Northeast on Monday, submerging roads and stranding motorists in New York, New Jersey and surrounding areas. A roof at a BJ's Wholesale Club in New Jersey collapsed under the weight of the rainfall, sending a wall of water through the store while 27 people were inside. Emergency crews reached the Route 35 location at about 11:16 a.m.
After reports of the collapse. Two people were briefly trapped but freed themselves and exited safely. Search teams used a drone and K-9 units to confirm the building was clear. All occupants were accounted for and no injuries occurred.
Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorrentino urged residents to avoid Route 35, Park Avenue and Deal Road while operations continued. " Rainfall rates reached up to 2 inches per hour in parts of the tri-state region. Flash-flood warnings covered sections of New York City, New Jersey and Long Island.
All westbound lanes of New York's Belt Parkway closed briefly due to flooding before reopening Monday afternoon. Nearly 500,000 people across the United States remained without power from the storms and high temperatures. Officials noted the flooding followed October deaths of two men in basement apartments during earlier heavy rains.
