A state of emergency has been declared in New York City as the remnants of Hurricane Ida sweep through the region.

A state of emergency was also declared by New Jersey governor Phil Murphy.

At least one person has drowned, with the city and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut under a flash flood warning.

The National Weather Service’s New York City Twitter account said: “This emergency was issued due to the ongoing life threatening flash flooding. The heaviest rain has pushed east of the Flash Flood Emergency area, with more moderate rainfall the next few hours.”

Record rainfall was recorded in Central Park, with 3.15in (8cm) of rain falling in an hour. The previous record for an hour, set on 22 August this year by Storm Henri, was 1.94in (4.93cm).

Flights in and out of Newark airport have been cancelled, and there was widespread disruption on railways.

Newark Liberty Airport’s twitter account said: “We’re experiencing severe flooding due to tonight’s storm. All flight activity is currently suspended & travellers are strongly advised to contact their airline for the latest flight & service resumption information. Passengers are being diverted from ground-level flooded areas.”

Announcing a state of emergency, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said: “I’m declaring a state of emergency in New York City tonight.

“We’re enduring a historic weather event tonight with record breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding and dangerous conditions on our roads.

“Please stay off the streets tonight and let our first responders and emergency services get their work done.

“If you’re thinking of going outside, don’t. Stay off the subways. Stay off the roads. Don’t drive into these heavy waters.

“Stay inside.”

New York State’s governor Kathy Hochul has directed state-wide agencies to prepare to respond to emergencies situations.

At least one tornado hit New Jersey, with posts on social media showing houses reduced to rubble by strong winds.

When Ida made landfall in Louisiana as a hurricane at the weekend, it left the city of New Orleans without electricity and caused huge amounts of damage.

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