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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Maya Yang (now) and Gloria Oladipo (earlier)

New York mayor dismisses claims he was slow to react as heavy rain causes major flooding – as it happened

Kathy Hochul Flood MTA New York Brooklyn Long Island the Hudson Valley the National Weather Service

Closing Summary

It is now 6pm in New York City where heavy rainfall and intense flooding swept through numerous neighborhoods, leaving several million residents under flood warnings. Here is a wrap up of the day’s key events from the city and beyond:

  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley amid the heavy downpour currently faced by residents of the Greater New York City area. “It is critical that all New Yorkers take all necessary precautions and avoid flooded roads, which are some of the most dangerous places during flash floods,” she said.

  • The National Weather Service in New York has announced that it has “multiple reports of water rescues and motorists” stranded in flood waters in Nassau county. “Do not travel this evening if you do not need to do so. This area of heavy rain is moving into western Suffolk county with flooding likely to begin shortly,” it warned.

  • New York senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have written a letter to FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell urging the Federal Emergency Mangement Agency to “stand ready, if requested” amid the heavy flooding. They also urged FEMA to make assistance available through a disaster declaration “as expeditiously as possible.”

  • New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has announced a state of emergency as a result of the heavy rainfall sweeping over the state. “Throughout the state, especially in the north and central regions, we are experiencing heavy rainfalls resulting in hazardous conditions, and the rainfall is expected to accelerate in many parts of the state over the next several hours,” said Murphy.

  • The National Weather Service reports that Friday is the wettest day on record at John F Kennedy International airport. The international travel hub has experienced over 7 inches of rain since Friday 12pm ET.

  • “If anyone was caught off guard,” they had to have been living “under a rock,” New York City mayor Eric Adams is reported saying in response to criticisms of slow communication amid Friday’s flooding. During a press conference on Friday, Adams defended his response speed, saying, “All of the necessary precautions were taken.”

  • Hoboken mayor Ravi Bhalla has declared a state of emergency for Hoboken in response to the heavy rain and flooding that has been impacting most of the city. “My utmost priority, and that of the Office of Emergency Management is the life, health, and safety of our residents,” said Bhalla.

  • The MTA announced that service across its network has been “severely disrupted due to this extreme rainfall.” “If you must head out, use extra caution and check the service status for your line at http://mta.info before you go. Stay safe, New York,” it cautioned.

  • LaGuardia Airport announced that all access to Terminal A had closed earlier this morning. The airport added that it is experiencing delays as a result of the weather conditions and warned travelers to avoid the area until further notice.

That’s it from me, Maya Yang, as we wrap up the blog for today. Thank you for following along.

Here are more photos coming through the newswires of the heavy rainfall and flooding across the Great New York City area:

People walk under umbrellas during a coastal storm in Lower Manhattan on September 29, 2023 in New York City.
People walk under umbrellas during a coastal storm in Lower Manhattan on September 29, 2023 in New York City. Photograph: Eduardo Muñoz/Getty Images
Heavy rain causes flooding in New York regionSpecial Operations Unit rescue personnel with the Westchester County Emergency Services search for victims trapped in heavy flooding in the New York City suburb of Mamaroneck, New York, U.S., September 29, 2023.
Heavy rain causes flooding in New York region
Special Operations Unit rescue personnel with the Westchester County Emergency Services search for victims trapped in heavy flooding in the New York City suburb of Mamaroneck, New York, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters
Heavy rain causes flooding in New York regionSpecial Operations Unit rescue personnel with the Westchester County Emergency Services use rafts as they check buildings for victims trapped in heavy flooding in the New York City suburb of Mamaroneck, New York, U.S., September 29, 2023.
Heavy rain causes flooding in New York region
Special Operations Unit rescue personnel with the Westchester County Emergency Services use rafts as they check buildings for victims trapped in heavy flooding in the New York City suburb of Mamaroneck, New York, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters
Straphangers stand near a digital sign warning travelers about the weather affecting subway service in New York, New York, USA, 29 September 2023.
Straphangers stand near a digital sign warning travelers about the weather affecting subway service in New York, New York, USA, 29 September 2023. Photograph: Sarah Yenesel/EPA
Mohammed Doha, 52, a construction worker, scoops contaminated water out of his flooded first-floor home in the Hole, one of the lowest neighborhoods in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023.
Mohammed Doha, 52, a construction worker, scoops contaminated water out of his flooded first-floor home in the Hole, one of the lowest neighborhoods in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Bing Guan/Reuters
Heavy rain causes flooding in New York regionA man carries a dog in a bag as he walks through heavy flooding in the New York City suburb of Mamaroneck, New York, U.S., September 29, 2023.
Heavy rain causes flooding in New York region
A man carries a dog in a bag as he walks through heavy flooding in the New York City suburb of Mamaroneck, New York, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

Climate crisis concerns have emerged once again amid the intense rainfall and flooding sweeping across the greater New York City area.

“The climate crisis will manifest in hundreds of ways and we need to be ready,” climate activist Xiye Bastida wrote alongside photos of New York City covered in thick orange smog three months ago and floodwaters from today.

New York City mayor Eric Adams hits back at criticism of slow response

“If anyone was caught off guard,” they had to have been living “under a rock,” New York City mayor Eric Adams is reported saying in response to criticisms of slow communication amid Friday’s flooding.

During a press conference on Friday, Adams defended his response speed, saying, “All of the necessary precautions were taken.”

“There was not an absence of voice of this adminstration,” he added.

HellGate NY reports on Adam’s response speed with a rather scathing lede:

Updated

Limited Hudson line service has been restored, the MTA announced.

The Harlem and New Haven lines remain suspended between Manhattran and the Bronx.

“We strongly advise to travel as early as possible,” the MTA said.

A flood warning has been issued for the Bronx until 10:45pm on Friday evening.

Additional 0.5 to 1 inch of rain is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

The MTA has announced a service update to its Q trains, which are now operating in 3 sections:

  • Between 96 St and 57 St-7 Av

  • Between Atlantic Av and Prospect Park

  • Between Prospect Park and Stillwell Av

It urged residents to continue staying home if they do not need to travel as MTA crew continue to work to address heavy flooding.

The Long Island Rail Road, the country’s busiest commuter railroad, has announced that its services between Valley Stream and Far Rockway have been suspended in both directions due to heavy flooding.

National Weather Service reports 'multiple reports of water rescues' in Nassau county

The National Weather Service in New York has announced that it has “multiple reports of water rescues and motorists” stranded in flood waters in Nassau county.

“Do not travel this evening if you do not need to do so. This area of heavy rain is moving into western Suffolk county with flooding likely to begin shortly,” it warned.

Updated

The New York state division of homeland security and emergency services has deployed flood rescue teams to Westchester county to assist with local emergency reponses.

“The storm is not over yet as heavy rainfall heads into the Hudson Valley region this afternoon through evening. A Flood Advisory is in effect for Dutchess, Ulster & Southern Columbia Counties,” the division warned.

New York senators urge FEMA to 'stand ready, if requested' amid heavy flooding

New York senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have written a letter to FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell urging the Federal Emergency Mangement Agency to “stand ready, if requested” amid the heavy flooding.

“We are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has historically given in responding to disasters impacting New York state. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to approve any forthcoming requests for FEMA assistance from New York state as affected communities begin their recovery from these floods,” the senators wrote.

They also urged FEMA to make assistance available through a disaster declaration “as expeditiously as possible.”

Updated

New Jersey put under state of emergency

New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has announced a state of emergency as a result of the heavy rainfall sweeping over the state.

“The governor has initiated a closing for state offices beginning at 3:00pm this afternoon. The early dismissal does not include essential employees or emergency personnel. Private companies and businesses should dismiss their employees at their own discretion,” Murphy’s office announced.

“Throughout the state, especially in the north and central regions, we are experiencing heavy rainfalls resulting in hazardous conditions, and the rainfall is expected to accelerate in many parts of the state over the next several hours,” said Murphy.

He went on to urge residents to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and warnings.

People walk through flood waters during a heavy rain storm on September 29, 2023, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Much of the Northeast is experiencing severe flooding after heavy rains swept through the area this morning.
People walk through flood waters during a heavy rain storm on September 29, 2023, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Much of the Northeast is experiencing severe flooding after heavy rains swept through the area this morning. Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Updated

Here is video of New York governor Kathy Hochul warning residents to avoid venturing out into flooded waters in their own vehicles:

“Even six inches of rain…is a condition where your vehicle can be swept away,” she said.

JFK airport experiences wettest day on record

The National Weather Service reports that Friday is the wettest day on record at John F Kennedy International airport.

The international travel hub has experienced over 7 inches of rain since Friday 12.00 ET.

The airport reported travel delays and cancellations because of extreme weather in the New York City area.

Updated

Social media images are showing the intense rainfall and flooding impacting much of the New York City area, particularly Brooklyn and Queens.

Homeowners in the New York city area say that raw sewage is flooding into their homes due to the extreme rainfall.

New York City council member Emily Gallagher said that several tenants in her district have had “raw sewage” flood their apartment units.

Gallagher added that the issue is known to the building’s owner and management company.

“We are working with the tenants to get accountability,” Gallagher added in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

New York City’s Office of Housing Recovery has activated an online portal for city residents to report flooding.

Less than two weeks ago, 75,000 or so people marched through Manhattan to demand an end to fossil fuel expansion, which is unarguably the most meaningful climate action that political leaders could choose to take.

Ironically, those same streets are today flooded as record breaking rainfall pummels NYC, an extreme rain event made more likely by global heating driven by burning fossil fuels.

The 17 September climate justice march kicked off an eventful week in NYC, as the US was blocked from attending the historic United Nations Climate Ambition Summit due to its ongoing love affair with oil and gas.

And as heavy rain brought the city to a virtual standstill today, the Biden administration released its five–year energy plan which will lead to as many as three new offshore oil and gas lease sales - the lowest since the program began in 1980, but three too many if the world has any hope of curtailing global heating to 1.5 celsius and avoiding total climate catastrophe.

Read more on the fossil fuel leases here:

Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, declares state of emergency amid heavy rain and flooding

Hoboken mayor Ravi Bhalla has declared a state of emergency for Hoboken in response to the heavy rain and flooding that has been impacting most of the city.

“My utmost priority, and that of the Office of Emergency Management is the life, health, and safety of our residents,” said Bhalla.

“Due to the flooding in Hoboken and throughout the tri state area, I urge residents to stay off roads and only travel if it is essential, especially during the evening rush hour when we anticipate more rain. I also ask everyone to please not move barricades, and to not walk or drive through floodwaters,” he added.

Hoboken’s office of emergency management coordinator William Montanez echoed similar sentiments, saying:

“This declaration will help our efforts to keep people and property safe through this storm, and beyond. We ask for continued cooperation in those efforts and urge all residents and visitors to avoid all unnecessary travel, do not drive around or move barricades, and do not walk or drive through flood waters.”

Updated

Here are more photos and videos emerging online as floodwaters sweep through New York City:

Bronx River reaches major flood stage and is still rising

The Bronx River which goes through the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden is now in major flood stage and is still rising.

As of 11:31am, the flood stage is at 3 feet.

Updated

We’re in the middle of what looks set to be one of the worst rain events on record for parts of New York City and with hours more heavy rain still ahead of us today, JFK and Central Park have already recorded their second ever wettest September day.

Extreme weather events like this require forensic local level emergency response planning and real time leadership - which NYC mayor Eric Adams is already facing criticism about as the city’s schools and transit system have come to a standstill.

But extreme weather events also require long-term disaster recovery planning, and the looming federal government shutdown could delay as many as 2000 such projects, according to the White House. Florida, Louisiana, New York and Puerto Rico - among the most climate vulnerable places in the US, will be the most affected if lawmakers cannot get it together.

Meanwhile meteorologist Eric Holthaus has laid out the link between the climate emergency and extreme rainfall in an easy-to-understand listacle:

My colleague Caitlin Curran reports widespread flooding in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn.

A number of schools have reported flooding and there was one person who had to abandon their car due to flood waters on Fourth Avenue.

She reports: “Everyone is frantically seeking Shop-Vacs to try to get the water out of buildings. Some of the hardware stores are already sold out of them. Parents are trying to help empty the water out at some of the schools.”

The Metro-North Railroad announced a major disruption amid the storm, with no Hudson, Harlem or New Haven service in either direction between Manhattan and the Bronx.

“Northbound Hudson Line service will originate at Yankees-E-153 St. Northbound Harlem Line service will originate at Wakefield,” it said.

It also announced that the Eastbound New Haven Line service will originate at Williams Bridge.

“NYCT Transit is cross-honoring Metro-North fares via the subway system for travel to/from Grand Central Terminal, although customers are strongly advised to delay traveling, if at all possible,” it added.

Here are some more images coming through the newswires of the heavy flooding across New York City:

A man rides a motorcycle through flooded streets in the Hole, one of the lowest neighborhoods in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023.
A man rides a motorcycle through flooded streets in the Hole, one of the lowest neighborhoods in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Bing Guan/Reuters
New York City Department of Environmental Protection workers attempt to clear blocked drains after heavy rains as the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia bring flooding across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, at the FDR Drive in Manhattan near the Williamsburg bridge, in New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023.
New York City Department of Environmental Protection workers attempt to clear blocked drains after heavy rains as the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia bring flooding across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, at the FDR Drive in Manhattan near the Williamsburg bridge, in New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Andrew Kelly/Reuters
Carlos Ogando pumps water out of the flooded basement of the home he shares with his wife Yas (not pictured), in the Hole, one of the lowest neighborhoods in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023.
Carlos Ogando pumps water out of the flooded basement of the home he shares with his wife Yas (not pictured), in the Hole, one of the lowest neighborhoods in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Bing Guan/Reuters
A police officer from the NYPD Highway Patrol walks near cars stuck in a flooded motorway after heavy rains as the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia bring flooding across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, at the FDR Drive in Manhattan near the Williamsburg Bridge, in New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023.
A police officer from the NYPD Highway Patrol walks near cars stuck in a flooded motorway after heavy rains as the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia bring flooding across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, at the FDR Drive in Manhattan near the Williamsburg Bridge, in New York City, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Andrew Kelly/Reuters
A resident stands in floodwaters during a heavy rain storm in the New York City suburb of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, New York, U.S., September 29, 2023.
A resident stands in floodwaters during a heavy rain storm in the New York City suburb of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, New York, U.S., September 29, 2023. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

Here is my colleague Gloria Oladipo’s report on the state of emergency declared across New York amid dangerous flash flooding:

About 8.5 million people are under flash flood warnings in the New York City area, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The city’s concrete and pavement exacerbates flooding, as overwhelmed sewers fail to adequately drain rain water.

Parts of New Jersey are under similar weather advisories.

The New York governor, Kathy Hochul, declared a state of emergency on Friday because of the “extreme rainfall”. The declaration covers New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, Hochul posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

One to five inches of rain have fallen in parts of New York City since early Friday, the NWS reported. One to two inches of rain an hour are still expected in parts of the Brooklyn and Queens boroughs.

For the full story, click here:

The MTA has announced further train disruptions across the boroughs as heavy flooding continue to sweep through the city.

The 6 train service is extremely limited in the Bronx and Manhattan due to the flooding at various stations, the MTA said.

Meanwhile, there is no Q service in Brooklyn or most of Manhattan. The Q trains are only running between 96 St and 57 St-7 Av, it added.

The N/R service has also been suspended in both directions.

Increasing rainfall and flooding events a hallmark of climate crisis

More frequent and severe rainfall and flooding events are a hallmark of the climate crisis, as a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture.

The northeastern US is seeing a greater increase in heavy precipitation than any other region in the country, with a 70% increase in the amount of rainfall measured during heavy precipitation events between 1958 and 2012.

It’s a trend that’s set to continue, research shows, especially if the world fails to curb planet-heating emissions. By the end of the century, extreme precipitation could increase in the region by 52%, a May study from Dartmouth University found.

The region has also seen rapid sea level rise, another major contributor to flooding.

In New York City, seas are rising by 1.2 inches per decade or a total of 1.1 feet, according to official estimates from the city. That’s nearly twice the observed global rate over a similar time period.

Climate experts have yet to determine the exact link between the current flooding in New York and the climate crisis.

New York City mayor Eric Adams and education chancellor David Banks defended the decision to keep schools open amid heavy rainfall and flooding throughout the city.

“Our kids need to be in school. This is where they also get their healthy meals as well. This is what allows parents to be able to continue to…get to work, to do the other things that need to happen. Whenever we make a decision to close schools, it is a major, major disruption and so it is really only used really as a as a last resort,” said Banks.

Adams defended the decision as well, saying, “ I believe the chancellor made the right call. If there was a need to close the schools, he would have made that call but this was the right call of our children.”

“When you close the school, parents disrupt their normal workflow and we disrupt a child’s education flow at the same time. This is the right decision to do as we see we are continuously moving forward and our children are safe at school,” he added.

“We have taken on some water but nothing has created an infrastructure problem where we our kids are not safe,” said New York City education chancellor David Banks.

“Our kids are safe and we will continue to monitor the situation,” he added.

Updated

MTA CEO Janno Lieber announced that the MTA is starting the process of reactivating certain lines as significant portions of the subway system shut down earlier today as a result of the storm.

“We are developing a service plan hoping that we can reactivate those operations. We’re developing a limited service plan for this afternoon with the hope and expectation we’ll be able to get everybody home,” said Lieber.

“The sad reality is our climate is changing fast than our infrastructure can respond,” said New York City environmental protection commissioner Rohit Aggarwala.

“We have been working at the mayor’s direction for well over a year on a significant medium-term approach to increasing green infrastructure and expanding the sewer system but changing infrastructure takes time,” he added.

Friday marks wettest day since Hurricane Ida two years ago

“Today is the wettest day we’ve had since Hurricane Ida swept through the city a few years ago,” said New York City emergency management commissioner Zachary Iscol.

“That is not a statistic to take lightly, it highlights just how crucial it is for all of us to pay close attention to the weather advisories and to always take the necessary precautions,” he added.

Iscol also said that authorities expect another two to four inches likely throughout this afternoon.

“We have multiple contingency plans in place but ultimately, you know you’re your first line of defense for yourself and your loved ones,” he said.

Updated

“Leave your home if you’re starting to see water accumulate,” warned Hochul.

“Don’t wait until it’s up to your knees or higher,” she added, saying, “People need to be taking this seriously.”

“We’re here to help New Yorkers get through what is a life-threatening rainfall event,” said governor Kathy Hochul who also joined the press conference.

“Priority number one [is] to make sure that our subways and our rail systems are safe. There have been significant disruption without a doubt,” she said.

“If people decide to venture out on any vehicle, they do so at their own peril because even six inches of rain may look pretty innocuous…but that is a condition where your vehicle can be swept away and we lose more lives of people with flooding events,” she added.

Eight inches of rain may fall by end of day, mayor says

New York City mayor Eric Adams is holding a press conference on the ongoing storm in the city.

“This is time for heightened alertness and extreme caution,” said Adams.

“We could possibly see eight inches of rain before the day is over,” he said, adding, “This dangerous weather condition is not over and I don’t want those gaps in heavy rain to give the appearance that it over.”

Updated

Governor Kathy Hochul’s office has issued the following steps to residents to remain safe amid the heavy rainfall and flooding:

  • Develop a household disaster plan and know how to always contact family members. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the “emergency family contact” and make certain all family members have the contact info

  • Designate an emergency meeting spot - a familiar location where family can meet if the residence cannot be accessed

  • Know hurricane and storm risks in your community

  • If you live near coastal areas, learn about your area’s storm surge history and your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans, including safe routes inland and the location of official shelters

  • Know where to relocate pets during a storm - most shelters will not allow pets

  • Keep the following supplies on-hand:

    • Enough non-perishable food and water supplies for 10 days

    • Battery-operated radios and flashlights and an ample supply of batteries

    • A first aid with supply of medicines

    • Important documents: Insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. in a waterproof container

    • Cash, checkbook, credit cards and ATM cards

    • An emergency contact list of people and organizations who may need to be called: schools, doctors, providers, and insurance contacts

The New York state department of transportation is prepared to respond to the extreme weather event with nearly 3,500 operators and supervisors available statewide, governor Kathy Hochul’s office announced on Friday.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows, according to the governor’s office:

  • 1,426 large dump trucks

  • 315 large loaders

  • 81 chippers

  • 80 wheeled and tracked excavators

  • 28 traffic tower platforms

  • 15 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

  • 15 tree crew bucket trucks

Here are some images coming through the newswires of the heavy flooding across New York City:

A vehicle sits submerged after it got stuck in high water on the Prospect Expressway during heavy rain and flooding on September 29, 2023 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City.
A vehicle sits submerged after it got stuck in high water on the Prospect Expressway during heavy rain and flooding on September 29, 2023 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A section of the Prospect Expressway is closed during high water after heavy rain and flooding on September 29, 2023 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City.
A section of the Prospect Expressway is closed during high water after heavy rain and flooding on September 29, 2023 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A vehicle sits submerged after it got stuck in high water on the Prospect Expressway during heavy rain and flooding on September 29, 2023 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City.
A vehicle sits submerged after it got stuck in high water on the Prospect Expressway during heavy rain and flooding on September 29, 2023 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

New Yorkers urged to seek higher ground during heavy rain periods

New York City authorities have urged residents to seek higher ground during periods of heavy rain as persistent heavy ran may result in numerous flash floods, including flooding of places that do not normally flood.

Residents have been urged to make an emergency plan and stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the city’s official emergnecy communications program.

The city is under flood watch beginning Friday until 6am on Saturday.

Updated

MTA announces "severely disrupted" services due to rainfall

The MTA on Friday morning announced that service across its network has been “severely disrupted due to this extreme rainfall.”

“If you must head out, use extra caution and check the service status for your line at http://mta.info before you go. Stay safe, New York,” it cautioned.

LaGuardia shutters a terminal over flooding

LaGuardia Airport has announced that all access to Terminal A is currently closed.

The airport added that it is experiencing delays as a result of the weather conditions and warned travelers to avoid the area until further notice.

It also directed passengers to check the Federal Aviation Administration to see the status of flights.

Updated

Videos show major flooding across the city

Here are some videos emerging on social media of the intense rainfall and flooding across New York City:

Updated

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning in Brooklyn, Queens and Hempstead that is set to last until 11:15am.

It also urged residents to avoid traveling in flooded roads, warning that 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep away an adult while 12 inches can carry away a small car.

New York governor declares state of emergency

Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley amid the heavy downpour currently faced by residents of the Greater New York City area.

“I am declaring a State of Emergency in New York City, the Hudson Valley and Long Island in response to the significant, dangerous rainfall that is currently impacting the region and is expected to continue for the next 20 hours,” said Hochul.

“Ahead of this storm we deployed thousands of State personnel and I have directed all State agencies to provide all necessary resources to address this extreme weather event. It is critical that all New Yorkers take all necessary precautions and avoid flooded roads, which are some of the most dangerous places during flash floods,” she added.

Widespread three to five inches of total rain is expected through Friday across the areas, with locally higher amounts up to seven inches of rain, Hochul’s office announced. Additionally, rainfall rates are anticipated to be one inch per hour.

“Governor Hochul instructed the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to stage flood rescue teams in Nassau and Westchester counties, where they will be ready for rapid deployment in the event of a flash flood emergency requiring rescues,” it added.

Updated

New York City endures intense flooding amid heavy rainfall

Good morning,

Residents in New York City area are bracing for major flooding as the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings across New York, Brooklyn, Queens and other northeastern states including New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley and has warned residents to avoid traveling on flooded roads.

Transportation services have been disrupted as a result of the heavy rainfall, with the MTA announcing “extremely limited subway service” on Friday morning.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates.

Updated

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