NYC flooding: Damage assessed after state of emergency declared
Latest developments as New York City is hit by flash floods and state of emergency is declared
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet
Get our free Climate email
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency as flash flooding wreaks havoc across New York City caused by torrential rain pummelling the northeastern US. Mayor Eric Adams likewise asked New Yorkers to stay home or shelter in place.
Brooklyn is particularly hard hit by rising water with shocking videos showing streets and subways underwater. Widespread outages and delays were reported on the MTA, the agency that runs the city’s transit system.
A severe storm lodged over the city, and parts of upstate New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, leading to widespread flood watches and warnings.
The New York area could see an unprecedented amount of rain with between two and five inches having already fallen in some areas since midnight.
Emergency alerts were sent to cellphones in the city at 9.30am local time from the National Weather Service.
“A FLASH FLOOD WARNING is in effect for this area until 12:30pm EDT,” it read. “This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
A travel advisory was issued by city authorities beginning at 4am on Friday through until 6am on Saturday with the potential for “widespread travel impacts”.
Flash flooding strikes New York during morning rush hour
Good morning.
Torrential rainfall has heightened the threat of flash flooding in New York City and other parts of the northeast on Friday.
A severe storm has lodged over the city, and parts of upstate New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, leading to widespread flood watches and warnings.
The New York area could see more than three inches of rain in 24 hours with some parts of the city already recording one to two inches since midnight.
Watch: Carroll Street in Brooklyn under inches of water
Major disruption to subway service
There are major disruptions to subway service because of the rain, with the borough of Brooklyn hardest hit.
Brooklyn hardest hit by flooding, so far
Per CBS News:
Emergency responders are on the scene of a partial roof collapse at a warehouse in Lexington Avenue between Classon and Franklin Avenues in Brooklyn. It happened around 8:30 a.m.
Fortunately all workers at the warehouse were accounted for, according to the FDNY.
In Windsor Terrace, the FDNY said firefighters rescued a person in danger of drowning in a basement of an apartment building at Sherman Street near Greenwood Avenue.
Dramatic video shows southern Brooklyn streets inundated
Water more than halfway up car wheels
The scene on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn at 8.45am ET
Manhattan’s borough president warns New Yorkers to avoid travel
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has warned New Yorkers to avoid travel if they can as service disruptions hit every line of the New York Subway.
Mr Levine tweeted: “NYC is in the midst of an extreme rain event. 2-5 inches has already fallen. Rates of up to 2.5 in/hr expected. Flood warning in effect til 12:30pm.”
He adds: “FDR at Delancey full closure both directions due to flooding. Numerous subway delays. Use extreme caution if you must travel.”
Residents warned to prepare to move if needed
New York Emergency Management tweeted: “Heavy rain in NYC causing flooding of streets & low-lying areas, including basements. Prepare to move to higher ground if needed as flooding may occur with little to no notice and can be life-threatening. If you must travel, exercise caution and avoid flooded roadways.”
Further, the agency reiterated: “Flash Flood Warning for MN,QN,BK: Until 12:30PM. Heavy rain of 2-5in. have fallen, 1-3in. additional expected, & rates up to 2.5in/hour will cause flooding of roadways. Significant flash flooding is likely. Avoid travel. Move to higher ground.”
Flooding strands commuters as disruption hits subway and streets flood
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies