Authorities have issued a flash flood warning for New York City, parts of New Jersey and western Long Island as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds swept across the region, raising the threat of widespread flooding and travel disruptions. Weather officials warned that intense downpours could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, flood roads and affect low-lying areas. The flash flood warning remained in effect through Monday morning, while a broader flood watch was issued for New York City and northern and central New Jersey until the evening. Forecasters also declared a First Alert Weather Day, citing an elevated risk of flash flooding and severe thunderstorms. Moist and humid air moving into the region is expected to produce rainfall rates of one to three inches per hour, with total rainfall forecast between one and three inches. Some isolated locations could receive even higher amounts, significantly increasing the risk of flooding. In response to the severe weather threat, New York City Emergency Management activated its Flash Flood Emergency Plan. City crews were deployed to clear storm drains and catch basins in flood-prone neighbourhoods, while emergency teams were placed on standby to respond to flooded streets, fallen trees and stranded motorists. Officials warned that severe thunderstorms could also generate damaging wind gusts, increasing the possibility of power outages and hazardous driving conditions throughout the day. Meanwhile, a High Surf Advisory was issued for beaches south of New York City and across Long Island, where waves were expected to reach between six and ten feet. Authorities also warned of a high risk of dangerous rip currents and urged residents and visitors to stay out of the water until conditions improve. Temperatures were expected to remain in the low 80s under mostly cloudy skies. Weather experts forecast that storm activity would gradually weaken by Monday night, bringing an improvement in conditions.

The United Front of Afghanistan has announced the launch of an armed campaign against the Afghan Taliban, marking what it describes as a new phase in its efforts to challenge the Taliban-led administration. The group’s leader, General Sami Sadat, also appealed to the United States, NATO and other members of the international community for political support. In a video message, General Sadat said the resistance movement had formally begun military operations in Kandahar. He described the campaign as an effort to free Afghanistan from Taliban rule and restore stability to the country. Sadat said the group’s military activities are not limited to targeting the Taliban. He claimed that United Front fighters are also operating against Al-Qaeda, Daesh (ISIS) and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), saying these organisations pose a serious threat to Afghanistan and the wider region. He stressed that the resistance movement does not seek conflict with neighbouring countries. According to Sadat, the group’s objective is to establish peaceful relations with Afghanistan’s neighbours and promote regional cooperation. He argued that the Taliban’s policies have created security concerns for neighbouring states, while the United Front aims to contribute to long-term regional stability. General Sadat also pledged that his forces would conduct all military operations in accordance with international law. He said the movement would respect humanitarian principles during its campaign and insisted that it would not seek permission from any foreign country before carrying out its operations. Calling for international engagement, Sadat urged the global community to provide political backing to the resistance movement. He appealed to the United States, NATO and other governments to support what he described as the Afghan people’s struggle for freedom, saying the international community should stand on the “right side of history.” The announcement comes amid continuing political and security tensions in Afghanistan, where anti-Taliban resistance groups have periodically claimed attacks against Taliban positions, particularly in northern and central parts of the country. Despite these claims, the Taliban remain in control of most of Afghanistan and continue to reject the legitimacy of armed opposition groups.