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
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Your support makes all the difference.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”.
Governor declares State of Emergency.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency due to the extreme rainfall.
“I am declaring a State of Emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley due to the extreme rainfall we’re seeing throughout the region,” she tweeted.
“Please take steps to stay safe and remember to never attempt to travel on flooded roads.”
NYPD and FDNY responding to numerous calls for help
Tom Winter of NBC News writes: “The NYPD & FDNY are responding to numerous flooded basements with people inside, minor roof and ceiling collapses, cars trapped in water with people inside and other emergencies all tied to the flooding in New York City, a senior official says.”
He adds: “So far, no reports of deaths.”
Brooklyn resident says water came up through sewer pipes
In Kensington, BK. I also have 4 inches of water in my apartment that came up through the sewer pipes pic.twitter.com/1fHIv50zV9
— Rebecca Martin (@rebeccadmartin) September 29, 2023
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