NYC flooding – live: Damage assessed after state of emergency declared
Latest developments as New York City recovers from flash floods after historic rainfall sparked state of emergency
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New York has “officially transitioned into the recovery phase” after Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency following historic rainfall and flash flooding, officials said over the weekend.
The governor’s declaration came as torrential rain pummelled the northeastern US, her pleas for residents to stay home echoed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who’d also asked New Yorkers to shelter in place.
Most people heeded the call, the governor said Saturday – though at least 28 rescues were conducted by New York emergency services, she said.
Brooklyn was particularly hard hit by rising water with shocking videos showing streets and subways underwater, and one hospital forced to evacuate more than 150 patients after electrical damage forced its temporary closure. Widespread outages and delays were reported on the MTA, the agency that runs the city’s transit system, before it returned to full weekend service on Saturday.
Historic rainfall levels were recorded at locations from LaGuardia Airport to Central Park, where a sea lion named Sally gained viral video fame “after briefly exploring the flooded plaza inside the zoo,” officials said.
Full story: New York declares state of emergency as flash flooding leaves parts of city underwater
Large swaths of New York were underwater on Friday morning as torrential rainfall caused flash flooding across the city.
A severe storm lodged over the city on Thursday night, leaving the five boroughs and parts of upstate New York, New Jersey and Connecticut under flood watches and warnings.
New Yorkers were urged not to travel as the subway system largely shut down in the conditions, and vehicles were trapped by rising waters.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley due to the extreme rainfall. She said that officials were worried about basement homes, during an interview on Friday, after a number of people drowned during Hurricane Ida in 2021.
“Plan your escape route. Don’t wait until water is over your knees before you leave. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” Gov Hochul said.
New York City declares state of emergency
Two to five inches of rain have already fallen across the city, up to three more inches expected in the next 24 hours
The flash flood warning for Manhattan the Bronx continues
Watch: Flooded Prospect Expressway seen from Kensington
Latest in series of floods across northeastern US
The deluge came less than three months after a storm caused deadly floods in New York’s Hudson Valley and left Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, submerged. A little over two years ago, the remnants of Hurricane Ida dropped record-breaking rain on the Northeast and killed at least 13 people in New York City, most of whom were in flooded basement apartments. Overall, 50 people died from Virginia to Connecticut.
“If people decide to venture out in a vehicle, they do so at their own peril”
New York Gov Kathy Hochul sent out a warning message on Friday afternoon, urging New Yorkers to stay home if possible.
Watch the full video message:
NYC’s flooding is linked to climate change
Three to six inches of rain have fallen with several more on the way in the next 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Some forecasters warned the flooding has the potential to be “historic”.
Forecasters said rainfall was coming down at a rate of one to 2.5 inches an hour in some places.
From 8am to 9am, the Brooklyn Navy Yard received 2.58 inches of rain, said Rohit Aggarwala, from New York’s Department of Environmental Protection, at a Friday press briefing. The city’s sewer system was built to handle 1.75 inches.
“This is the result of climate change. Our climate is changing faster than our infrastructure can respond,” Mr Aggarwala said.
Read the full story
New York flooding chaos is result of climate crisis, city official warns
‘Our climate is changing faster than our infrastructure can respond,’ said Rohit Aggarwala, from New York’s Department of Environmental Protection
Flash flood warning for Queens and Brooklyn is set to end at 2.30pm
Photos of the floods
The Independent captured shocking photos of the floods that are keeping locals indoors and submerging vehicles.
WATCH: The heavy rain has seeped the city’s transportation
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