Torrential rain and flash flooding led to dramatic rescues in New Jersey as Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency.

NEW YORK (AP) — Two people in New Jersey were killed after their vehicle was swept up in floodwaters during a storm that moved across the U.S. Northeast overnight, authorities said Tuesday.

Footage shows wooden slats from the home on the ground with other debris. The blast took place around the same time heavy rainfall hit the northeast.

But let's not single out New Jersey and Texas. Florida — especially Miami and many low-lying, overbuilt Gulf Coast communities — are other flood disasters waiting to happen. Even New York City, with all its concrete grandeur and self-assured arrogance, is a potential flood zone.

Heavy rains and flash flooding in the northeast have caused two deaths in New Jersey. More rain is expected through mid-week for portions of the eastern and central U.S.

New Jersey's governor declared a state of emergency after heavy rains pounded the Northeast. New York City also warned residents of basement apartments to prepare for possible evacuations.

The odds of being struck by lightning is less than one in a million in a given year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But people have died from lightning strikes in New Jersey before. In June 2024, a Manchester man was killed in Seaside Park.

The strongest thunderstorms and heavy rain are more likely in southern New Jersey on Saturday. Stronger storms are expected in northern New Jersey on Sunday.