Abundant rainfall drenched the region overnight from Thursday into Friday, crippling parts of the northeastern United States. The megacity of New York, famed for its vast subway system, busy roads, and major airports, urged residents to take the utmost precautions as the storm progressed.
Officials advised people to stay indoors if possible and to remain vigilant if they needed to be out for essential work or school commitments. Parts of the subway system were flooded, making navigation around the city exceptionally challenging. Images from AFP, local media, and social networks depicted vehicles struggling through flooded streets, water spilling into storefronts, and subway stations submerged under rising tides.
Water had risen to the first floor of a Brooklyn residence where a 50-year-old taxi driver, Ahmed Abdou, lives. He, a longtime New Yorker of Egyptian origin, described the subway as a “disaster” and voiced concern that such storms are becoming a recurring annual problem, stressing the need for better predictive measures.
Chaos in the subway
The subway, a lifeline for millions who commute daily across New York, faced widespread disruption as several busy lines in Brooklyn paused operations on Friday morning. The city’s sprawling and aging rail network, comprising more than 30 lines and roughly 420 stations, saw limited service and several routes temporarily shut down. Governors labeled restoring normal service as a top priority because many students rely on the subway to reach schools each day.
Citizens were urged to buckle up for what the day could bring, with the MTA issuing warnings of major disruptions as most people headed to work and school. Flash flood alerts echoed across mobile networks, signaling that rough conditions were already taking hold and that travel would be unpredictable in the hours ahead.
One visible stretch along the East River, the FDR Drive, also known as a key route to ease congestion, faced closures as vehicles halted. LaGuardia Airport reported that access to Terminal A was temporarily closed and air operations experienced partial disruptions.
Rohit Aggarwala, the city’s Environmental Protection Commissioner, remarked on the broader trend, noting that climate change is outpacing the city’s infrastructure. His assessment underscored the growing challenge of adapting urban systems to shifting weather patterns and increasingly intense events.
Local officials declared a state of emergency for the megacity and nearby regions, including eastern Long Island and the Hudson Valley, areas that regularly encounter flood impacts. Forecasts indicated intense downpours with precipitation rates around 5 cm per hour and gusts reaching up to 18 cm in some locales, driven by a low-pressure system drawing moist air from the Atlantic. Meteorologists emphasized the need for preparedness as these conditions could persist into the day.
The situation has historical resonance in New York, with the memory of the 2021 Ida aftermath still shaping responses. In that disaster, trapped residents faced life-threatening conditions during extensive flooding. Officials warned residents in flood-prone neighborhoods to be ready to move upstairs if necessary and to heed emergency guidance to minimize risk during severe weather events.
Related posts:
White Gaming Chair With Footrest The goalscorers of Lionel Scaloni’s cycle in the Argentina national team Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): The Future of SEO is Here Grok and the New Era of Transparent AI Development Grok AI Bot Across Platforms: Telegram, iOS, and North American Use Grok and xAI: Musk’s Real-Time AI Vision and Public Discussion Girona overpower Mallorca in a 5-3 La Liga thriller to top the table Grok AI rollout on X expands access beyond early testers AI forecasts for the 2024 Harris vs Trump race Real Betis edges Mallorca in a tense LaLiga clash Data sheet and match recap: Celta Vigo and Espanyol open LaLiga with a late penalty twist How Forum Culture and Google Updates Shape Online Visibility