NYC flooding – live: Damage assessed after state of emergency declared
Latest developments as New York City recovers from flash floods after historic rainfall sparked state of emergency
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New York has “officially transitioned into the recovery phase” after Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency following historic rainfall and flash flooding, officials said over the weekend.
The governor’s declaration came as torrential rain pummelled the northeastern US, her pleas for residents to stay home echoed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who’d also asked New Yorkers to shelter in place.
Most people heeded the call, the governor said Saturday – though at least 28 rescues were conducted by New York emergency services, she said.
Brooklyn was particularly hard hit by rising water with shocking videos showing streets and subways underwater, and one hospital forced to evacuate more than 150 patients after electrical damage forced its temporary closure. Widespread outages and delays were reported on the MTA, the agency that runs the city’s transit system, before it returned to full weekend service on Saturday.
Historic rainfall levels were recorded at locations from LaGuardia Airport to Central Park, where a sea lion named Sally gained viral video fame “after briefly exploring the flooded plaza inside the zoo,” officials said.
Flash flooding strikes New York during morning rush hour
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.
Major disruption to subway service
There are major disruptions to subway service because of the rain, with the borough of Brooklyn hardest hit.
Brooklyn hardest hit by flooding, so far
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.
Water more than halfway up car wheels
The scene on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn at 8.45am ET
Manhattan’s borough president warns New Yorkers to avoid travel
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.
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.”
Residents warned to prepare to move if needed
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.”
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