NYC flooding - live: Mayor urges ‘extreme caution’ with all five boroughs under state of emergency
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”.
Key Points
Worst of deluge hit during Friday morning rush hour
Up to eight inches of rain could fall across city on Friday
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
New York becomes the latest state to require flood disclosures in home sales
NWS: ‘Lingering rain’ expected before ‘tapering off from west to east:’
17:11 , Sheila Flynn
The National Weather Service on Saturday shared a graphic showing residual rain in the same region where Friday flooding plagued much of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
“There is lingering rain moving across much of the region as indicated here with our Doppler Radar imagery late this morning,” NWS New York NY posted on X, the platform previously known as Twitter. “The rain will be mostly light and is expected to last into this afternoon before tapering off from west to east.”
There is lingering rain moving across much of the region as indicated here with our Doppler Radar imagery late this morning. The rain will be mostly light and is expected to last into this afternoon before tapering off from west to east. #NYCwx #NYwx #NJwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/knIolmsSDa
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 30, 2023
In a late-night Friday update, the account advised social media users that Flood Watch had been cancelled for “all locations except New Haven County Connecticut and Suffolk County New York.”
Before the end of Friday, new daily rainfall records had already been set at JFK Airport, Central Park, LaGuardia Airport and Bridgeport Airport, according to the NWS.
Transit, city services returning to normal after flooding
15:51 , Sheila Flynn
New York transit problems caused by Friday’s flooding had been almost entirely fixed by Saturday morning, with most lines back up and running the previous evening, an MTA spokesman told The Independent.
Subways had largely resumed normal function by about 9pm Friday, with further flooding problems to the N line servicing Brooklyn fixed by 5am Saturday, he said. MetroNorth lines had also resumed following diligent efforts of workers – “basically, just waiting for the water to recede, just having crews help do that process,” he said. “Buses, thankfully, did not get heavily impacted.”
The spokesman said Long Island Rail Road lines were the “same deal” after “two little hiccups” on routes closer to the water.
Meanwhile, NYC sanitation officials urged Bronx residents to bring hazardous items to a previously scheduled safe disposal event on Saturday in the Bronx, tweeting after the floods Friday that rubbish collection was ongoing and the department would “provide additional services as needed, including collecting storm debris and material that comes out of flooded homes.”
13:45 , Kelly Rissman
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 at Central Park Zoo during terrifying New York City floods
12:30 , Kelly Rissman
Subway system suspended
Half the New York subway system was suspended due to flooding and delays remained widespread on Friday afternoon. Commuter rail across the tri-state areas was suffering delays and cancellations due to impacts, The Independent’s Louise Boyle reports.
Janno Lieber, head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said 3,500 buses were operating for those who needed to get around. But even those were not immune: video posted online showed one bus in Brooklyn traveling through flooding with a submerged floor.
11:30 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: Shelter in place and state of emergency issued in New York over flash flood warning
10:30 , Kelly Rissman
Just how much rain was NYC dealing with?
As much as 6.7 inches (17 cm) of rain had fallen in parts of Brooklyn by midday, with at least one spot seeing 2.5 inches (6 centimeters) in a single hour, according to weather and city officials.
The 6 inches (15 cm) of rain at John F. Kennedy Airport surpassed a record set during Hurricane Donna in September 1960, the National Weather Service said.
The torrential downpour caused travel mayhem, submerging subway stations, causing flight delays, and even putting cars and bikes mostly under water.
09:30 , Kelly Rissman
Flashback: Hurricane Ida floods New York in 2021
In pictures: Chaos after New York and New Jersey storms
08:30 , Kelly Rissman
All rain, no storm surge
“What’s frightening about this flooding on the FDR is that ALL OF THIS WATER IS FROM RAIN. There was no storm surge today. Zero. In the coming storms, we’ll get massive rain plus a storm surge and the border between the river and the land will disappear,” NYU Professor Eric Klinenberg pointed out in response to a shocking video of a highway in NYC.
Pack a life jacket for the FDR. #NYC #Flood pic.twitter.com/okYztiklAd
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) September 29, 2023
07:30 , Kelly Rissman
A message from the governor
New Yorkers should expect heavy rain and flooding to continue throughout the night tonight.
To our Jewish neighbors celebrating the beginning of Sukkot, please take steps to stay safe during this severe weather event.— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 29, 2023
06:30 , Kelly Rissman
NYC’s flooding is linked to climate change
Three to six inches of rain have fallen with several more on the way in the next 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Some forecasters warned the flooding has the potential to be “historic”.
Forecasters said rainfall was coming down at a rate of one to 2.5 inches an hour in some places.
From 8am to 9am, the Brooklyn Navy Yard received 2.58 inches of rain, said Rohit Aggarwala, from New York’s Department of Environmental Protection, at a Friday press briefing. 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.
Read the full story here
New York flooding chaos is result of climate crisis, city official warns
05:30 , Kelly Rissman
The dangers of the downpour extends to Long Island
[Ongoing Flooding]: We have 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. pic.twitter.com/FrQ9q6FS3s
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 29, 2023
04:33 , Kelly Rissman
29 September is poised to be the wettest day on record at JFK
Three to six inches of rain had fallen by Friday morning with several more on the way in the next 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Some forecasters warned the flooding has the potential to be “historic”.
“Today is now preliminarily the wettest September day on record at JFK Airport, eclipsing the record from Hurricane Donna in 1960,” NWS tweeted, noting that 6.08inches of rain had fallen since midnight. The previous record was 5.83 inches.
Read more
New York City declares state of emergency
03:30 , Kelly Rissman
Photos of the floods
The Independent captured shocking photos of the floods that are keeping locals indoors and submerging vehicles.
02:33 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: Transportation disrupted in NYC due to the downpour
01:33 , Kelly Rissman
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
Saturday 30 September 2023 00:33 , Kelly Rissman
Flight misery at New York airports
As of Friday afternoon, 283 flights were cancelled at LaGuardia Airport and 377 were delayed, according to FlightAware.
The situation is even worse at JFK, where 203 flights were cancelled and 416 flights were delayed.
Saturday 30 September 2023 00:00 , Kelly Rissman
Metro North riders urged to leave earlier in the day
We strongly urge customers to travel as early as possible today. Metro-North Railroad remains suspended in both directions between Manhattan and The Bronx; build in added time to get to the Bronx via the subway system for continuing MNR service. Details on our TrainTime app. pic.twitter.com/EY37qT2PiM
— Metro-North Railroad (@MetroNorth) September 29, 2023
Friday 29 September 2023 23:45 , Kelly Rissman
Mayor Adams under fire for rain response
Mayor Eric Adams urged New Yorkers to stay home or “shelter in place” if they had already gone out to work or school. He warned that the city could see eight inches of rain before the storm passes.
Once again, the mayor came under fire after he did not speak publicly to New Yorkers until late Friday morning when conditions were already dire. Mr Adams had been criticized in June for his handling of New York’s air quality threat from Canada’s wildfires.
Read the full story
New York City declares state of emergency
Friday 29 September 2023 22:45 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: Flash flooding causes chaos in New York City
Friday 29 September 2023 22:33 , Kelly Rissman
A different view of the storms
The last four hours of rain storms continually funneling over New York City.
These storms have produced dangerous flash floods this morning and afternoon. pic.twitter.com/yAZAyeZcCa— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) September 29, 2023
Friday 29 September 2023 22:15 , Kelly Rissman
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
Friday 29 September 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman
NYC in state of emergency as rain submerges the city
Friday 29 September 2023 21:45 , Kelly Rissman
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.
Huge storm and flooding in NYC today. This is 4th Ave and Carroll St in Brooklyn, which is near Gowanus Canal, a superfund site.
Reminder: Do not go in the flood waters, it contains pathogens and is a threat to human health.pic.twitter.com/uzPQLfSL3G— Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) September 29, 2023
Friday 29 September 2023 21:33 , Kelly Rissman
Hourly precipitation in NYC
Here's the estimated hourly precip across NYC from midnight to 11 AM today. Some locations have received up to 4-6+ inches already with additional rainfall forecast through tonight. Remember to practice flood safety- NEVER walk or drive into flood waters, turn around don't drown! pic.twitter.com/LitpHIiXLx
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) September 29, 2023
Friday 29 September 2023 21:15 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: New York underwater amid flash flood warning
Flashback: Hurricane Ida floods New York in 2021
Friday 29 September 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman
In pictures: Chaos after New York and New Jersey storms
Friday 29 September 2023 20:45 , Kelly Rissman
NYC zoos are closed, due to flooding
Due to continuing heavy rain in NYC-area and with @GovKathyHochul calling a state of emergency for NYC, WCS’s Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium will be closed today. Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo will be cancelled this evening.
— WCS Newsroom: #EarthStrong 💚 (@WCSNewsroom) September 29, 2023
Friday 29 September 2023 20:27 , Kelly Rissman
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
Friday 29 September 2023 20:15 , Kelly Rissman
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
Friday 29 September 2023 20:00 , Kelly Rissman
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.
“If you are home, stay home. If you are at work or school, shelter in place for now.”
— NYC Mayor Eric Adams (D), after declaring a state of emergency due to flooded streets and subway stations from heavy rain pic.twitter.com/bPifujuMsP— The Recount (@therecount) September 29, 2023
Friday 29 September 2023 19:51 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: The heavy rain has seeped the city’s transportation
Friday 29 September 2023 19:30 , Kelly Rissman
Photos of the floods
The Independent captured shocking photos of the floods that are keeping locals indoors and submerging vehicles.
Friday 29 September 2023 19:15 , Kelly Rissman
Flash flood warning for Queens and Brooklyn is set to end at 2.30pm
Flash Flood Warning continues for New York NY, Brooklyn NY and Queens NY until 2:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/DyOGgRIy6q
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 29, 2023
Friday 29 September 2023 18:58 , Kelly Rissman
NYC’s flooding is linked to climate change
Three to six inches of rain have fallen with several more on the way in the next 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Some forecasters warned the flooding has the potential to be “historic”.
Forecasters said rainfall was coming down at a rate of one to 2.5 inches an hour in some places.
From 8am to 9am, the Brooklyn Navy Yard received 2.58 inches of rain, said Rohit Aggarwala, from New York’s Department of Environmental Protection, at a Friday press briefing. 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.
Read the full story
New York flooding chaos is result of climate crisis, city official warns
Friday 29 September 2023 18:38 , Kelly Rissman
“If people decide to venture out in a vehicle, they do so at their own peril”
New York Gov Kathy Hochul sent out a warning message on Friday afternoon, urging New Yorkers to stay home if possible.
Watch the full video message:
My message to New Yorkers impacted by today’s severe rain: Turn around, don’t drown.
We’re expecting to see more rain throughout today & tonight. Roads are closed & public transit is delayed or suspended in many areas due to flooding.
Please avoid travel as much as possible. pic.twitter.com/zrni25rPHw— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 29, 2023
Latest in series of floods across northeastern US
Friday 29 September 2023 18:30 , AP
The deluge came less than three months after a storm caused deadly floods in New York’s Hudson Valley and left Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, submerged. A little over two years ago, the remnants of Hurricane Ida dropped record-breaking rain on the Northeast and killed at least 13 people in New York City, most of whom were in flooded basement apartments. Overall, 50 people died from Virginia to Connecticut.
Watch: Flooded Prospect Expressway seen from Kensington
Friday 29 September 2023 18:15 , Oliver O'Connell
Crossing the street in Kensington, Brooklyn this morning and seeing the flooded Prospect Expressway pic.twitter.com/4WsHR3rBkB
— Liz Herron-Sweet (@eherronsweet) September 29, 2023
Watch: Flooding in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Friday 29 September 2023 17:50 , Oliver O'Connell
Flooded Bushwick pic.twitter.com/nlTiaHxWIF
— Ian Ford (@ianfford) September 29, 2023
Friday 29 September 2023 17:37 , Kelly Rissman
The flash flood warning for Manhattan the Bronx continues
Flash Flood Warning continues for New York NY, Manhattan NY and The Bronx NY until 3:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/MovJ6jVX0m
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 29, 2023
Full story: New York declares state of emergency as flash flooding leaves parts of city underwater
Friday 29 September 2023 17:30 , Louise Boyle
Large swaths of New York were underwater on Friday morning as torrential rainfall caused flash flooding across the city.
A severe storm lodged over the city on Thursday night, leaving the five boroughs and parts of upstate New York, New Jersey and Connecticut under flood watches and warnings.
New Yorkers were urged not to travel as the subway system largely shut down in the conditions, and vehicles were trapped by rising waters.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley due to the extreme rainfall. She said that officials were worried about basement homes, during an interview on Friday, after a number of people drowned during Hurricane Ida in 2021.
“Plan your escape route. Don’t wait until water is over your knees before you leave. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” Gov Hochul said.
New York City declares state of emergency
Friday 29 September 2023 17:10 , Oliver O'Connell
Friday 29 September 2023 17:04 , Oliver O'Connell
Zach Iscol, the commissioner of New York City’s Office of Emergency Management said that today “is the wettest day we’ve had since Hurricane Ida swept this city” two years ago.
“This changing weather pattern is the result of climate change,” said Rohit Aggarwala, commissioner of the city’s Department of Environmental Protection.
HE added that the weather is “changing faster than our infrastructure can withstand”.
Recovering transportation a priority
Friday 29 September 2023 17:02 , Oliver O'Connell
Governor Kathy Hochul described the storm as a “life-threatening rainfall event” and stressed that getting the transportation system back up and running was a priority.
We want to make sure we get the subways, the trains, our communication system, our transportation system working because there’s children who use the subway to get home from school.
New Yorkers reminded not to drive in floodwater
Friday 29 September 2023 16:59 , Oliver O'Connell
Just 12 inches of water can carry away a car and 18-24 inches can move a large SUV.
If safe to do so, please send us any reports of flooding you come across!
This could include water over roadways, closures, or rescues. Be sure to include the location and time of report. #TurnAroundDontDrownhttps://t.co/u9uL802OW4 pic.twitter.com/NUV4MtjNGX— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 29, 2023
Mayor warns New Yorkers to exercise ‘extreme caution’ as dangerous weather is not over
Friday 29 September 2023 16:52 , Oliver O'Connell
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.
Friday 29 September 2023 16:50 , Oliver O'Connell
Flooding on Walton St between Union Ave & Harrison Ave. pic.twitter.com/ovsvRoz9uX
— WILLIAMSBURG NEWS (@WMSBG) September 29, 2023
Watch: Basement floods in Williamsburg
Friday 29 September 2023 16:40 , Oliver O'Connell
No Metro-North trains between Manhattan and Bronx
Friday 29 September 2023 16:38 , Oliver O'Connell
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.
There is no Hudson, Harlem, or New Haven service in either direction between Manhattan and The Bronx because of flooding caused by today's storm.
Northbound Hudson Line service will originate at Yankees-E-153 St.
Northbound Harlem Line service will originate at Wakefield. pic.twitter.com/iEBsmNgpiQ— Metro-North Railroad (@MetroNorth) September 29, 2023
Recap: Storm floods New York City area, pouring into subways and swamping streets in rush-hour mess
Friday 29 September 2023 16:30 , Oliver O'Connell
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.
Multiple major road closures due to flooding
Friday 29 September 2023 16:29 , Oliver O'Connell
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.
Brooklyn Queens Expressway flooded
Friday 29 September 2023 16:20 , Oliver O'Connell
Delays to Amtrak service out of New York Penn Station
Friday 29 September 2023 16:10 , Oliver O'Connell
SERVICE ALERT: As of 10:06 am ET, due to inclement weather in the area, Services originating out of New York (NYP) may experience delays departing. Updates to follow as more information becomes available.
— Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNECAlerts) September 29, 2023
Brooklyn resident says water came up through sewer pipes
Friday 29 September 2023 16:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Watch: Floodwaters inundate bus in Brooklyn
Friday 29 September 2023 15:49 , Oliver O'Connell
INSANE: This video was taken inside an @MTA bus on 18th Avenue and 60 Street in Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/h3dpsOy2hG
— NYScanner (@nyscanner) September 29, 2023
'I didn’t realize nyc buses were amphibious. Hmm.’
Friday 29 September 2023 15:45 , Oliver O'Connell
FDR Drive at full standstill in Lower Manhattan
Friday 29 September 2023 15:38 , Oliver O'Connell
View from Williamsburg bridge, FDR is at a full standstill, multiple cars trapped in oily waters. pic.twitter.com/QL4wqUKlnl
— Gwynne Hogan (@GwynneFitz) September 29, 2023
Watch: Water pours into New York Subway
Friday 29 September 2023 15:33 , Oliver O'Connell
Yikes! Flooding at Grand Army Plaza station in Brooklyn, New York this morning with more rain on the way!
LSC Viewer: Andre Forbes pic.twitter.com/M0V8WWtAcj— Live Storm Chasers (@LiveStormChaser) September 29, 2023
NYPD and FDNY responding to numerous calls for help
Friday 29 September 2023 15:31 , Oliver O'Connell
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.”
Governor declares State of Emergency.
Friday 29 September 2023 15:26 , Oliver O'Connell
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.”
Watch: Storm system moves across New York City
Friday 29 September 2023 15:20 , Oliver O'Connell
Big-time flash flooding event underway in NYC with 1-2”‘per hour rainfall rates! Storm totals could exceed a half a foot. The widespread pavement and concrete creates a nearly impermeable surface. Be careful out there! pic.twitter.com/fyNCSV7KSn
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) September 29, 2023
Flooding strands commuters as disruption hits subway and streets flood
Friday 29 September 2023 15:16 , Oliver O'Connell
Major flooding in Brooklyn today. Trains shut down and the only way out of the station is through this. pic.twitter.com/yQPLOyc6dX
— Seth Chinnis (@sethchinnis) September 29, 2023
New Yorkers seen clearing blocked drains
Friday 29 September 2023 15:14 , Oliver O'Connell
I see many brooklynites stepping up and helping to clean out catch basins! https://t.co/UyeSFs7wqi
— Mike_W 🟦 (@WeinbergerMike1) September 29, 2023
Residents warned to prepare to move if needed
Friday 29 September 2023 15:12 , Oliver O'Connell
New York Emergency Management tweeted: “Heavy rain in NYC causing flooding of streets & low-lying areas, including basements. Prepare to move to higher ground if needed as flooding may occur with little to no notice and can be life-threatening. If you must travel, exercise caution and avoid flooded roadways.”
Further, the agency reiterated: “Flash Flood Warning for MN,QN,BK: Until 12:30PM. Heavy rain of 2-5in. have fallen, 1-3in. additional expected, & rates up to 2.5in/hour will cause flooding of roadways. Significant flash flooding is likely. Avoid travel. Move to higher ground.”
Flash Flood Warning for MN,QN,BK: Until 12:30PM. Heavy rain of 2-5in. have fallen, 1-3in. additional expected, & rates up to 2.5in/hour will cause flooding of roadways. Significant flash flooding is likely. Avoid travel. Move to higher ground. pic.twitter.com/td5H877TPB
— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) September 29, 2023
Manhattan’s borough president warns New Yorkers to avoid travel
Friday 29 September 2023 15:01 , Oliver O'Connell
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has warned New Yorkers to avoid travel if they can as service disruptions hit every line of the New York Subway.
There are currently service disruptions on *every single line* in the NYC subway system amidst extreme rain and flash flooding across the city.
Avoid travel is you can. pic.twitter.com/IeACVXea2k— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) September 29, 2023
Mr Levine tweeted: “NYC is in the midst of an extreme rain event. 2-5 inches has already fallen. Rates of up to 2.5 in/hr expected. Flood warning in effect til 12:30pm.”
He adds: “FDR at Delancey full closure both directions due to flooding. Numerous subway delays. Use extreme caution if you must travel.”
NYC is in the midst of an extreme rain event.
2-5 inches has already fallen.
Rates of up to 2.5 in/hr expected. Flood warning in effect til 12:30pm.
FDR at Delancey full closure both directions due to flooding. Numerous subway delays.
Use extreme caution if you must travel.— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) September 29, 2023
Water more than halfway up car wheels
Friday 29 September 2023 15:00 , Oliver O'Connell
The scene on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn at 8.45am ET
Marcy Ave. & Flushing Ave. in Brooklyn. Streets are worse than Ida at 8:45 AM. #flashflood #flashflooding #flooding #flood #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #brooklyn #rain #rainstorm #storm #downpoor #streetflooding pic.twitter.com/SMS37h7OVn
— Steve Kastenbaum (@SKastenbaum) September 29, 2023
Dramatic video shows southern Brooklyn streets inundated
Friday 29 September 2023 14:54 , Oliver O'Connell
Southern Brooklyn is flooded, please head warnings. Many local roads not passable! @NWSNewYorkNY pic.twitter.com/va4FXnpoyP
— Mike_W 🟦 (@WeinbergerMike1) September 29, 2023
Brooklyn hardest hit by flooding, so far
Friday 29 September 2023 14:51 , Oliver O'Connell
Per CBS News:
Emergency responders are on the scene of a partial roof collapse at a warehouse in Lexington Avenue between Classon and Franklin Avenues in Brooklyn. It happened around 8:30 a.m.
Fortunately all workers at the warehouse were accounted for, according to the FDNY.
In Windsor Terrace, the FDNY said firefighters rescued a person in danger of drowning in a basement of an apartment building at Sherman Street near Greenwood Avenue.
Major disruption to subway service
Friday 29 September 2023 14:48 , Oliver O'Connell
There are major disruptions to subway service because of the rain, with the borough of Brooklyn hardest hit.
There are major disruptions to subway service, especially in Brooklyn, because of flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
Check https://t.co/vhZQ2kZ2vb for the latest information on how your train is traveling. pic.twitter.com/q1MtBMEJoo— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) September 29, 2023
Watch: Carroll Street in Brooklyn under inches of water
Friday 29 September 2023 14:46 , Oliver O'Connell
Emergency in nyc pic.twitter.com/oNl1idC937
— EveryThing Plus ULTRA (@EveryTPlusULTRA) September 29, 2023
Flash flooding strikes New York during morning rush hour
Friday 29 September 2023 14:43 , Oliver O'Connell
Good morning.
Torrential rainfall has heightened the threat of flash flooding in New York City and other parts of the northeast on Friday.
A severe storm has 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 more than three inches of rain in 24 hours with some parts of the city already recording one to two inches since midnight.
