Flash flooding swamped the streets of Staten Island as the remnants of Hurricane Ida triggered New York City's first 'flash flood emergency' on September 2.

Footage shows the deluge submerging several vehicles at a retail store parking lot in New York's southernmost borough late Wednesday evening.

Residents were told to stay off the roads as New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency.

She said: 'I am declaring a state of emergency to help New Yorkers affected by tonight's storm. Please stay off the roads and avoid all unnecessary travel.'

Ida's remains brought record-breaking rainfall, with 3.1 inches of rain measured in Manhattan's Central Park. Around 29,000 people were left without power in New York while subway stations were inundated with water. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said evacuations were underway for commuters stranded in subway lines.

Hurricane Ida is expected to head into New England by Thursday night.