Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding impacted New York City and New Jersey on Saturday, leaving residents to begin cleanup efforts.
A vigorous storm system brought strong-to-severe thunderstorms and torrential rain to the northeastern United States on Saturday. The weather system triggered a flash flood warning for parts of New York City, New Jersey, and Westchester County, with some areas receiving over 2.5 inches of rain. Significant flooding occurred in neighborhoods such as Flushing, Jamaica, and Crown Heights, testing the region's aging infrastructure. The storms also cleared a significant amount of noxious smoke from Canadian wildfires that had previously lowered air quality. While air quality remained moderate overnight, a cold front moved through the metropolitan area to usher in cleaner air. Forecasters expect sunny skies and improved air quality on Sunday, though some haze may persist for sensitive groups. While the Northeast dealt with heavy rain, Texas continued to manage the aftermath of historic rainfall. In Texas, the Devils River and Rio Grande reached major flood stages, while emergency crews conducted rescues in rural communities near the Mexico border.