New York City declared a state of emergency as heavy downpours caused flash flooding and paralyzed traffic across the city
The National Weather Service reported more than 2 inches of rainfall in some areas Friday morning, with another 2 inches of rain expected in the coming hours.
“Escape routes”
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley as rain blocked roads, paralyzed subways and other modes of transportation.
The severity of the flooding became clear when the governor of New York asked residents to plan their ‘escape routes’ and not wait until the water was ‘up to their knees’.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged all New Yorkers to check weather updates and schedules and exercise caution.
I am declaring a state of emergency in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley due to the extreme rainfall we are seeing across the region.
Take steps to stay safe and remember to never travel on flooded roads.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 29, 2023
During a press conference, Governor Hochul stressed the importance of safety and warned against attempts to travel on flooded roads.
She added that officials were concerned about those living in basement homes after a number of people drowned during Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The massive storm that hit the city on Thursday evening left all of New York’s dens and surrounding areas under flood warnings.
A minor flood in Brooklyn, New York this morning. Not a huge deal. This is what happens when you don’t properly maintain drainage systems, but I can already hear Democrats crying about “climate change.” pic.twitter.com/MZSxIUfQr3
— Black man in the suburbs 🇺🇸 (@niceblackdude) September 29, 2023
Public transport stopped
The city’s public transportation systems are broken and streets and highways are flooded.
“There are currently service disruptions on every single line in the New York City subway system amid extreme rain and flash flooding across the city,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine.
New York City’s subway systems shut down and at least one terminal at LaGuardia Airport closed Friday.
The National Weather Service issued a strong advisory, urging residents to “move to higher ground now” and act quickly to ensure their safety.
The Subway Department has issued a statement warning city residents of the limited train services.
Only extremely limited metro service is available due to heavy flooding caused by rainfall. Service may be suspended at certain stations.
Check https://t.co/vhZQ2kZ2vb to see if the service is active at your station. pic.twitter.com/Fr4AX72syj
— NYCT Metro (@NYCTSubway) September 29, 2023
Photos and videos circulating on the internet have revealed prominent parts of the city underwater. New Yorkers were seen wading through knee-high water.
⚠️ NYC experiences an extreme rain event.
If you live in a basement, move to a higher floor or a higher floor. If you lose power and have disabilities, access and functional needs, or are using life support equipment (LSE) and need assistance, call 911. pic.twitter.com/wEGCKtkOCE
— NYC Housing (@NYCHousing) September 29, 2023
Wettest day in two years
During an online news conference, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said. said Friday is the wettest day since Hurricane Ida two years ago
“That’s not a statistic to take lightly. It highlights how crucial it is for all of us to pay close attention to weather advisories and always take the necessary precautions,” he added.
Mr Iscol also said authorities expect another five to ten centimeters to rise this afternoon.
“We have multiple contingency plans in place, but at the end of the day, you know you are your first line of defense for yourself and your loved ones,” he said.
At 9:30 a.m. local time, emergency alerts were sent to cellphones in the city by the National Weather Service (NWS).