House Explodes in New Jersey as Flash Floods Slam Tri-State Area

July 15, 2025 | New York, NY — A powerful line of thunderstorms tore through the tri-state area Monday evening, triggering flash floods, widespread transit delays, emergency rescues—and even a house explosion in New Jersey.

In North Plainfield, NJ, a home on Parkview Avenue exploded around 11:30 p.m. amid the severe weather. Officials say no one was inside at the time, as the family had reportedly evacuated to higher ground earlier in the evening. Firefighters arrived to find the structure fully engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported, but the house was destroyed.

In New York City, multiple subway lines, including the 1, 2, and 3 trains, faced delays or suspended service due to flooding. Major roads were also affected—northbound lanes of the Saw Mill River Parkway and parts of the Cross Bronx Expressway were temporarily shut down due to high water and downed trees.

In Queens, flash flooding on the Cross Island Parkway prompted rescue operations, as torrential rain continued to overwhelm roadways and trap vehicles.

Heavy rainfall across the region brought extreme flash flooding, with rates exceeding 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas. Parts of New York City experienced their heaviest one-hour rainfall totals since Hurricane Ida in 2021.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Flooding was reported across Route 22 and Route 27, with at least one vehicle stranded in high water on Saint Georges Avenue in Rahway. In Rockland County, NY, emergency crews rescued a woman trapped by floodwaters on Van Orden Avenue in Spring Valley, where water reportedly reached depths of up to two feet under a nearby overpass.

Officials across affected counties—including Westchester—reported efforts to assist stranded drivers as the storm moved through. Gov. Murphy is expected to tour some of the hardest-hit areas in New Jersey.