Extreme weather today: heavy rains flooded New York

Extreme weather events is causing chaos worldwide. Flash floods hit New York, while powerful storms batter New Zealand. Heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding disrupt daily life, forcing evacuations, closing roads, and damaging infrastructure. Emergency crews rush to respond as more storms are expected. Here's a look at today's most severe weather events around the globe.

Storms from New York to Texas are fueling floods

Severe storms swept across the eastern U.S. this week, putting more than 45 million people at risk from New York to Texas. The system brought deadly flash floods, shut down highways, and left behind a trail of damage in several states.

In Oklahoma, heavy rain triggered fatal flooding on Wednesday. One man died in Pottawatomie County after floodwaters swept his vehicle off the road. A sheriff’s deputy tried to save him but was caught in the current and had to be rescued. The deputy was hospitalized. The driver died at the scene.

In Lincoln County, floodwaters killed an 86-year-old woman from Prague when her vehicle was carried away. A 58-year-old passenger survived after local firefighters pulled her to safety.

The National Weather Service warned that parts of Oklahoma and Texas could see another round of heavy rain through Thursday night. Some areas may receive up to two inches per hour, with already saturated ground unable to absorb more.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, central and southern Oklahoma saw up to eight inches of rain. In Texas, parts of the state received up to six inches.

Storm threats continue through Friday, with flood risks spreading into Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri. Forecasters also expect large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes from Waco to Dallas and Little Rock.

The area along Interstate 35, from Austin to San Antonio, is especially vulnerable. Flash flooding briefly shut down the interstate near Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

In Pennsylvania, storms earlier this week killed four people and knocked out power to over 240,000 residents. Now, similar conditions are moving through the central and eastern U.S.

Another storm system could hit the same region next week. “Texas and Oklahoma have to get ready for more rounds of heavy rainfall,” said Peter Mullinax, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center.

Floods and storms cripple New Zealand

New Zealand is dealing with major disruption after severe weather hit central Canterbury, Wellington, and Auckland. Floods forced the Selwyn district to declare an emergency, with roads submerged and homes cut off. In Little River, residents say it’s the worst flooding in 50 years.

Wellington saw its strongest winds since 2013. Gusts reached 160 km/h, toppling trees and shutting down roads. The city council urged people to avoid parks and reserves.

In Auckland, thunderstorms caused power cuts and property damage. Lightning struck a home in Windy Ridge, rattling residents. More than 100 lightning strikes were recorded in one hour.

Transport systems struggled. Strong winds grounded 200 flights in Wellington. Ferries across Cook Strait were cancelled. Roads in Christchurch and across the South Island suffered serious damage. Contractors found asphalt lifting off streets. Wellington’s coastal roads remain shut due to debris and flooding.

Hospitals are under pressure as a national doctor strike cancelled thousands of procedures. Schools and universities, including Victoria University, closed due to safety risks.

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