Flash flood warnings have been declared for parts of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland amid forecasts for severe thunderstorms and heavy rain Thursday. Newsweek's live blog is closed.

Up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) of rain was forecast in the heaviest bands of showers expected across New York City, Long Island and the Hudson River Valley, with rainfall rates that could exceed 2 inches per hour, according to a statement from Hochul.

The New York City area and New Jersey declared states of emergency Thursday as heavy rain with the potential for flash floods approached the region. Weather is expected to dump several inches of rain in the New York-New Jersey areas as residents make their evening commutes home.