New York City Under Water with Torrential Downpour Causing Massive Flash Floods

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.