Drenching rains bring flash flooding across coastal Connecticut, New York and New Jersey

WESTPORT, Conn. — Flash flooding from heavy rains prompted road closures, water rescues and commuter rail problems across the tristate area Sunday.

The National Weather Service said the hardest-hit areas appeared to be northern New Jersey, parts of New York’s Westchester County and a swath of coastal Connecticut along Interstate 95. The service issued flash flood warnings across the region for much of the morning Sunday as rain fell at a rate of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) an hour in places.

Metro-North and Amtrak said their rail lines to New Haven, which serve Norwalk, Bridgeport and other major Connecticut communities, were experiencing delays and cancellations due to flooding impacts.

Tweed New Haven Airport also closed its departures terminal due to local flash flooding. Airport officials in a Facebook post said travelers with flights departing Sunday should not come until further notice.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and other state officials, meanwhile, urged drivers to avoid flooded roadways and not to attempt to drive through standing water.

The coastal stretch from Norwalk to Westport was among the most impacted in the state, receiving 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 centimeters) of rain Sunday morning, with rainfall rates…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business