PHOTOS: We waded into parts of Philadelphia that are underwater after remnants of Hurricane Ida swept through the region

The flooding in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from Hurricane Ida's remnants, seen here on Wednesday, September 2, shut down a major highway in the city.Charles Davis/Insider

• Ida dumped rain across the Northeast on Wednesday, causing major flooding from NYC to Philadelphia.
• Areas of New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts were drenched with nine inches, NOAA said.
• Insider waded into Philadelphia to capture the aftermath.

Firefighters deployed a motorboat in Center City.

Charles Davis/Insider

Long-time residents said they have never seen such flooding.

Charles Davis/Insider

The Vine Street Expressway is normally jammed with traffic.

Charles Davis/Insider

The highway is a major artery that cuts through the center of Philadelphia.

Charles Davis/Insider

The floodwater was at least 10 feet high.

Charles Davis/Insider

Exit ramps were lined with stalled cars.

Charles Davis/Insider

Flooding was worse closer to the Schuylkill River.

Charles Davis/Insider

The flash flooding was accompanied by several tornadoes in the area.

Charles Davis/Insider

It's not yet clear when the highway will reopen.

Charles Davis/Insider

The Vine Street Expressway connects to several major highways.

Charles Davis/Insider

Parts of the expressway looked like a river itself.

Charles Davis/Insider

Floodwaters destroyed cars at several apartment buildings.

Charles Davis/Insider

In some cases, the water rushed in before owners could act.

Charles Davis/Insider

Firefighters were working to clear streets in Center City.

Charles Davis/Insider

Flooding was particularly bad near Arch Street and 22nd.

Charles Davis/Insider

Flooding blocked access to buildings in Center City.

Charles Davis/Insider

Dozens of cars around the city were at least partially submerged.

Charles Davis/Insider

Firefighters worked all morning to clear the streets.

Charles Davis/Insider

First-responders deployed a special operations unit.

Charles Davis/Insider

Floodwaters were several feet high in parts of Center City.

Charles Davis/Insider

The water forced Center City to establish detours that stretched along several blocks in the area.

Charles Davis/Insider

Some residents tried to access their flooded vehicles.

Charles Davis/Insider

The floodwaters appeared to cause some property damage.

Charles Davis/Insider

Several contiguous blocks were underwater west of City Hall.

Charles Davis/Insider