The warning emphasized caution to prevent lives being lost while attempting to drive through flooded areas, a recurrent risk in flash flood events. Residents were encouraged to report observations of flooding—including mudslides or submerged roads—via the NWS Blacksburg Facebook page, X or telephone when safe to do so.

On Thursday at 2:09 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning in effect until 6:15 p.m. for Delaware County.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and her acting New Jersey counterpart declared states of emergency for areas facing the threat of flash floods on Thursday from heavy downpours disrupting rail and air travel along the Eastern Seaboard.

Heavy rain that may cause flooding is expected both Thursday and Friday. The potential for the severe storms has prompted state of emergency declarations in parts of New York and New Jersey, effective early Thursday afternoon.

Millions will soon get the refreshing break they have hoped for after a summer filled with high humidity and surges of heat in the Northeast. However, that may come at a price of dangerous and disruptive flash flooding.

Heavy flooding is being blamed for at least one death in the Northeast after heavy rains slammed the region. CBS News' Nikki Battiste reports.