Heavy rain sparks flash floods in New York and New Jersey

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Heavy rain falling on the tristate area Friday sparked flash floods in several areas.

Firefighters rescued several dozen people from cars that got stuck in floodwaters in Hackensack, New Jersey, officials said.

In nearby Hasbrouck Heights, cars drove through a flooded ramp off Route 17.

Parts of Hoboken, New Jersey, were under water during the rain. Officials advised motorists to stick to the northern part of the city, while cops closed off streets.

A retaining wall underneath the Gowanus Expressway at Hamilton Avenue and 17th Street in Brooklyn collapsed. Water gushed over the crumbled wall. DOT crews responded to make repairs.

Weather conditions at LaGuardia, Newark, and Kennedy airports caused flight disruptions.

The West Side Highway in Manhattan was closed for about 10 blocks because of flooding, causing gridlock for several hours. The road reopened just before 5 p.m.

Cars plowed through flooding on the Central Park transverses (also a bad idea).

Wet conditions were reported in subway and train stations, prompting problems. N and W trains were suspended between 57 St-7 Av and Queensboro Plaza for several hours because of water conditions. Service resumed at about 4:30 p.m. Flooding in Penn Station caused a temporary closure of an entrance and two tracks.

The National Weather Service's Flash Flood Warning for several counties in New York and New Jersey expired at 4:30 p.m. Although the warning expired, you may still come upon flooding in low-lying or poor drainage areas.

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.

Do not drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely.