Shocking videos show New York underwater amid flash flood warning
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.
Brooklyn is particularly hard hit by rising water with shocking videos showing streets and subways underwater.
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” to the morning commute.
Key Points
- Worst of deluge hit during Friday morning rush hour
- Between two and five inches of rain have already fallen in some areas
- Disruption across New York Subway
- Streets across Brooklyn flooded with water as New Yorkers told not to travel
- Governor Kathy Hochul declares state of emergency
- Mayor Eric Adams tells New Yorkers to stay home or shelter in place if at work or school
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Mayor warns New Yorkers to exercise ‘extreme caution’ as dangerous weather is not over
Mayor Eric Adams said at a news briefing with Governor Kathy Hochul that he was issuing a state of emergency for New York City.
He warned New Yorkers to exercise “extreme caution” and stay home or to “shelter in place” if they were at work or school.
“We could possibly see 8 inches of rain before the day is over,” Mayor Adams warned.
“This is a dangerous weather condition and it is not over and I don’t want those gaps in heavy rain to give the appearance that it is over.”
The mayor said he has already visited some of the worst-hit parts of Brooklyn and encouraged residents to assist in helping clear clogged drains.
Oliver O’Connell29 September 2023 16:52
Oliver O’Connell29 September 2023 16:50
No Metro-North trains between Manhattan and Bronx
Metro-North Railroad, which links Manhattan with the Bronx, Connecticut, and Westchester County, has announced that there is no service on its three lines into or out of Manhattan because of flooding.
Oliver O’Connell29 September 2023 16:38
Recap: Storm floods New York City area, pouring into subways and swamping streets in rush-hour mess
A potent rush-hour rainstorm swamped the New York metropolitan area on Friday, shutting down swaths of the city’s subway system, flooding streets and highways, and cutting off access to at least one terminal at LaGuardia Airport.
Up to 5 inches (13 centimetres) of rain fell in some areas overnight, and as much as 7 inches (18 centimetres) more was expected throughout the day, New York Gov Kathy Hochul said.
“This is a dangerous, life-threatening storm,” Hochul said in an interview with TV station NY1. “Count on this for the next 20 hours.”
Photos and video posted on social media showed water pouring into subway stations and basements, and reaching the top of cars’ wheels in parts of Brooklyn and elsewhere.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs subway and commuter rail lines, urged residents of the nation’s most populous city to stay home if they could. Virtually every subway line was at least partly suspended, rerouted or running with delays, and two of the Metro-North Railroad’s three lines were suspended.
Flooding also was reported in surrounding areas, including Hoboken, New Jersey.
Oliver O’Connell29 September 2023 16:30
Multiple major road closures due to flooding
- FDR Drive closed in both directions at Delancey Street in Manhattan
- All lanes on the Cross Island Parkway are closed in both directions at Bell Boulevard in Queens
- Major Deegan Expressway closed in both directions at 230th Street in The Bronx
Consider alternate routes.
Oliver O’Connell29 September 2023 16:29
Delays to Amtrak service out of New York Penn Station
Oliver O’Connell29 September 2023 16:10
Brooklyn resident says water came up through sewer pipes
Oliver O’Connell29 September 2023 16:00