New York City Under Water with Torrential Downpour Causing Massive Flash Floods
The Big Apple is under water today as a massive storm moved up the coast into the city overnight. Roads are now rivers and subways are closed making travel especially difficult in the City.
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The Big Apple looks a little like Venice today. Roads in multiple Burroughs are under water making travel in the city difficult. This has led Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a state of emergency for the city.
I am declaring a State of Emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley due to the extreme rainfall were seeing throughout the region.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 29, 2023
Please take steps to stay safe and remember to never attempt to travel on flooded roads.
What caused this rain?
A slow-moving coastal low moved up the coast yesterday. This storm was still developing yesterday, but by the time it reached the Tristate area, it had developed into a strong system. This perfect timing occurred overnight with most of the city accumulating over 4 inches by this morning.
The National Weather Service issued flooding advisories yesterday. They forecasted 2-4 inches of rain in the city. Our latest forecast showed up to 6 inches of rain accumulating from this system.
[Key Messages]: Heavy rainfall likely with potential of scattered to numerous areas of flash flooding late tonight into Fri night. Flood Watch is in effect for much of the area during this time. Closely monitor the forecast & prepare to take action if warnings are issued. pic.twitter.com/UhkzsIBgYB
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 28, 2023
Flash Floods
This much rain in a short amount of time is the perfect recipe for flash flooding. This area was still saturated from the rains from Tropical Storm Ophelia. Many roads have running water washing over them. This has led to travel advisories in the city.
New York City emergency officials have issued a travel advisory as heavy rain and flooding hits https://t.co/E30q97yK2O pic.twitter.com/xw1EgGvXmM
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 29, 2023
Travel is especially difficult in the city as many people travel not by cars, but in the subways. Of the 230 miles of subway, 137 are under ground. Water has rushed into these underground subway tracks causing the Metropolitan Transport Authority to suspend or partially suspend 17 lines.
Subways in #Brooklyn turning into rivers. #NYwx
— Shadab Javed (@JShadab1) September 29, 2023
Please follow for more updates. #flashflood #flashflooding #flooding #flood #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #brooklyn #rain #rainstorm #storm #downpour #streetflooding pic.twitter.com/EAigdg14Du
Of the five boroughs, Brooklyn is faring the worst with this rain. Many roadways in the borough have been closed to protect travelers from the river-like conditions that have taken over the roads. These road closures include multiple expressways making travel very difficult.
Streets of #Brooklyn #flashflood #flashflooding #flooding #flood #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #brooklyn #rain #rainstorm #storm #downpour #streetflooding pic.twitter.com/g8x5H7aj46
— Shadab Javed (@JShadab1) September 29, 2023
Future rain
The heavy rain will continue through tonight then ease tomorrow. However, the worst of it is behind them as most of the rain fell overnight. The system will weaken and move east tomorrow afternoon leaving some light rain in the morning. The rain will abate by Saturday evening as the storm moves over the Atlantic.