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.
Mayor Eric Adams said this is “a time for extreme caution”
The NYC mayor warned residents: “If you are home, stay home. If you are at work or school, shelter in place for now.” He outlined that transportation has been affected; some subway stations are flooded and some airports are experiencing heavy delays.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, warning locals: “Plan your escape route. Don’t wait until water is over your knees before you leave. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Forecasters said the expected rainfall rate is between 1-2.5 inches in the space of an hour in some areas. Between 8am and 9am, the Brooklyn Navy Yard received 2.58 inches of rain, said Rohit Aggarwala from New York’s Department of Environmental Protection. 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. On a hotter planet, more moisture is held in the atmosphere meaning that storms have a greater likelihood of bringing intense rainfall.
The Independent’s Louise Boyle has the full story.
New York City declares state of emergency
‘Our climate is changing faster than our infrastructure can respond,’ says Rohit Aggarwala from New York’s Department of Environmental Protection
New York requires flood disclosures in home sales as natural disasters worsen in the state
Ahead of today’s flooding, Gov Kathy Hochul last week signed a bill requiring people selling their homes to disclose whether their properties have been flooded or are at risk for future flooding.
The new law comes as inland areas in the state have become more vulnerable to flooding, with climate change spurring on rising sea levels and more intense storms like the one impacting the city on Friday
The signing will make New York at least the 30th state in the country to require flood disclosures during home sales. New York has a similar law in place for rental properties.
The Independent’s Louise Boyle has the full story.
New York is latest state to require flood disclosures in home sales as storms worsen
The law closes a loophole in state law allowing home sellers to pay a $500 fee to avoid disclosing their home’s flood risk
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Superfund site hazard
A scientist posted on X to remind New Yorkers to avoid entering the floodwater near Gowanus Canal — it is a contaminated site that contains hazardous materials, the EPA says.
NYC in state of emergency as rain submerges the city
Sea lion breaks free from pool at Central Park Zoo
“Zoo staff monitored the sea lion as she explored the area before returning to the familiar surroundings of the pool and the company of the other two sea lions. The water levels have receded, and the animals are contained in their exhibit.”
Jim Breheny, Director of the Bronx Zoo and Executive Vice President of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoos and Aquarium reported that no visitors or staff members were in danger and the sea lion never escaped the zoo.
“We had closed our four zoos and aquarium this morning so staff could focus on the animals and our facilities during the storm. Animal care staff will continue to monitor the situation through the duration of the weather event,” he added.
Read more
Sea lion breaks free from Central Park Zoo in terrifying NYC floods
No visitors or staff members were in danger and the sea lion never escaped the zoo, a city official stated
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