1 Dead as Life Threatening Floods Lash New York

Heavy rain in New York City has caused at least one death, swamped roads, and forced road blockades. The meteorological department has issued a rare flash flood warning across parts of southeastern New York while describing it to be "life-threatening."

The rain began on Sunday afternoon and continued into the evening. The heaviest rain fell in the northern and western parts of the city, where some areas received up to 8 inches of rain. The flooding has been particularly severe in low-lying areas and near rivers and streams.

One woman was killed in Orange County, about 60 miles north of New York City, when she was swept away by floodwaters. She was trying to evacuate her home with her dog when she was overcome by the current.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed that several people have been missing and one home was washed away. Taking to micro-blogging platform Twitter, she wrote.''I have announced a State of Emergency for Orange County, which has experienced life-threatening flooding over the past few hours. We are in close communication with local officials and State agencies are participating in search and rescue efforts.''

''Our Office of Emergency Management has been in touch with every potentially impacted county to make sure they have what they need to quickly respond. And they will be coordinating deployments of personnel and resources from State agencies should local officials need help,'' she also said.

The rains have hit parts of New York and officials said that communities to the East of New York should brace for torrential rains and possible flash flooding.

The city said on its website, "A Flood Watch is in effect citywide between 2 p.m. today, Sunday 7/9, and 6 a.m. Monday 7/10. An excessive rainfall event may cause flash flooding, especially in areas close to creeks, streams and rivers; low-lying and flood-prone areas; and urban areas with poor drainage."

"Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible Sunday morning. Staten Island and west Manhattan have a low risk of severe weather, like a strong thunderstorm. Scattered showers may occur around 2 p.m," it added.

Several viral posts on Twitter show cars trapped in the flood. Here's a look at some of the photos and videos: