Flash flood warnings and watches popped up across the New York City area Monday evening, as powerful storms and downpours led to many stalled vehicles and multiple rescues. 

A flash flood warning was in effect in New York City until 9:45 p.m., and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency. Middlesex, Morris and Somerset counties remained under a flood warning until 7:15 a.m. Tuesday. 

Many other communities outside the city were also impacted. Click here to check the latest alerts, warnings and watches across the Tri-State Area. 

NYC area hit with heavy rain, flooding

Monday got off to a quiet start, but after lunch, thunderstorms developed well north and west and gradually worked toward the city for the evening commute.

The storms produced damaging winds, but more concerning, isolated to scattered instances of flash flooding. In fact, we saw rainfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour, with isolated rainfall totals of more than 6 inches.

Some of the highest totals were reported in Somerset and Union counties in New Jersey. Watchung saw 6.51 inches while Mountainside saw 5.34 inches. Nanuet, New York reported 5.03 inches. 

Ongoing flooding and/or residual flooding was expected into the evening, with the thunderstorms gradually winding down overnight.

Weather forecast this week

Thankfully, your Tuesday will be far less active, but an isolated downpour or two can't be ruled out.

The remainder of the week will feature hot and humid conditions with showers and thunderstorms still in the forecast.

Stick with our First Alert Weather team for the latest forecast, live radar and weather alerts.