New York’s Torrential Rainfall Creates Havoc: A Deeper Look at Its Impact on Local and International Air Travel and Public Transit
In a turn of events that left both residents and authorities grappling with nature’s unpredictability, New York faced an onslaught of heavy rainfall on Friday, leading to significant disruptions in local and international air travel as well as a standstill in train services.
The rain surrounded cars and homes Image Source: X
The downpour, which commenced late Thursday evening, elevated water levels at New York’s major train stations, effectively suspending their operations, according to a Sky News Arabia correspondent.
State of Emergency Declared
New York Governor Kathy Hochul took to social media platform ‘X’ to announce a state of emergency not just in New York City, but also in Long Island and the Hudson Valley due to “extreme rainfall.” The announcement comes as part of broader precautions that have been heightened since Hurricane Ida caused the death of 13 people in September 2021, leaving many others stranded in basement apartments amidst a severe housing crisis.
New York: The rain isn’t over yet. It is extremely dangerous to travel on flooded streets.
As rain continues to impact downstate areas throughout the day, don’t attempt to walk, bike, or drive in these conditions.
Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/gGeCShKR87
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 29, 2023
On-the-Ground Impact
Images have surfaced of cars struggling to navigate water-logged roads and streets fully blocked off due to water levels reaching the windows of vehicles. Key subway stations were partially inundated, and multiple central lines in Brooklyn were shut down, according to the operating company via social platform ‘X’.
Major flooding in New York!! #flashflood #flashflooding #flooding #flood #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #brooklyn #rain #rainstorm #storm #downpour #streetflooding #sel #abd #usa #BREAKING
— Musa Kayrak (@musakayrak) September 29, 2023
People are swimming in the subway in New York City.
Oh what’s happening here 😱😱 stay safe.#NewYork #Manhattan pic.twitter.com/lMUvFVED2P— ᑕᕼ ~ᗩᒪᎥ (@Alixjutt) September 29, 2023
Widespread Transport Disruption
Flights were delayed, and some take-offs were postponed, coinciding with safety warnings issued by authorities. LaGuardia Airport further confirmed that all routes to Terminal ‘A’ are currently closed off.
The United States’ Meteorological Agency attributes the extreme weather to a low-pressure system along the central Atlantic coast, which is drawing moist air from the ocean, leading to heavy rainfall primarily in the northern and eastern regions.
