NEW YORK - Flash flooding from thunderstorms in New York City on Thursday caused some roads to be impassable and early commute troubles, with viewers capturing videos and photos from the severe weather event forecast to continue through the evening.

New Yorkers are facing flash floods for the second time in two weeks, as severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours slammed the East Coast. Some workers in the Big Apple and New Jersey were sent home early Thursday afternoon ahead of the evening commute. The city’s emergency management agency urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that street, basement, and transit flooding were possible. States of emergency were declared in New York and New Jersey as the storms arrived.July 15: Floodwater gushes into New York city subway station amid heavy rainfall Leer en Español

New Yorkers are facing flash floods for the second time in two weeks, as severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours slammed the East Coast. Some workers in the Big Apple and New Jersey were sent home early Thursday afternoon ahead of the evening commute. The city’s emergency management agency urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that street, basement, and transit flooding were possible. States of emergency were declared in New York and New Jersey as the storms arrived. "I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. "State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm." Heavy rain and thunderstorms kept travelers grounded in New York and the surrounding areas. Hundreds of flights both in and out of Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK airports were canceled or delayed. JFK and Newark were reporting an average delay of three-and-a-half hours, while LaGuardia had a two-and-a-half-hour delay due to the weather.