Home

>

CT SCOOP

>

New York City Grapples With Heavy Rain & Flash Floods; State Of Emergency Declared

by Tejashee Kashyap
New York City Grapples With Heavy Rain & Flash Floods; State Of Emergency Declared

In the face of climate change, flash floods are becoming an even greater concern for New York. For the people, it has become a formidable and growing concern. These sudden, intense inundations of water pose a significant threat to both urban and rural areas. Now, New York City has declared a state of emergency as severe storms bring flash flooding.

Devastating Flash Floods In New York

According to an article by BBC, many of the city’s subways, streets, and highways have been flooded, and at least one terminal at LaGuardia Airport is closed. Some areas of the city received up to 8in (20cm) of rain, with another few inches forecast later on Friday. No deaths or critical injuries have been reported. In one hour, the Brooklyn Navy Yard received more than 2.5 inches of rain.

A state of emergency was declared across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. It was also declared in the New Jersey town of Hoboken, just across the Hudson River from New York City.

Flooding caused significant interruptions to New York’s subway system and Metro North commuter rail operations. Some underground lines were completely shut down, and numerous stations were closed. Images and video footage showed people wading through water up to their knees as torrential rain lashed the streets and subways. Several social media videos appeared to show water spilling from subway station ceilings and walls and onto waterlogged platforms.

As of 1 p.m. on Friday (local time), 44 planes had been delayed and 50 others had been cancelled at LaGuardia Airport. Passengers were advised to check with their airline before travelling.

Also Read: New York City’s Landmarks Are Sinking Faster Than Rest of the City, NASA Reports

City In A Standstill

One of the primary reasons flash floods are a concern in New York is the state’s unpredictable weather patterns. The city’s dense urban environment, concrete surfaces, and limited natural drainage make it susceptible to water accumulation during heavy rainfall. Flash floods are not limited to urban areas. Rural communities in upstate New York face their own set of challenges.

Flash floods in New York are a formidable and growing concern. New York City has had nearly 14in of rain so far this month. The combination of unpredictable weather patterns, a diverse landscape, and climate change makes it a serious threat to both urban and rural areas.

Cover image credits: Canva