On Wednesday, violent storms struck New York City, delivering up to four inches of rain within hours and leading to severe flash flooding. The torrential downpour caused dangerous conditions, stranding drivers on major roadways like the Henry Hudson Parkway and Major Deegan Expressway.
New York City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reported that some drivers had to be rescued from their vehicles due to rising waters.
Videos shared on social media captured the chaos, showing vehicles navigating through significant flooding during rush hour. Emergency responders were seen removing both drivers and their cars from the waterlogged Major Deegan Expressway near Van Cortlandt Park. The deluge led to a high volume of emergency calls, including 136 reports of abandoned vehicles and 68 complaints about sewer backups by 9 p.m. Tuesday.
New York City Hit by Severe Flash Flooding as Tropical Storm Debby’s Remnants Cause Chaos
Central Park recorded just over an inch of rain, but the Bronx and Long Island experienced much heavier rainfall, with some areas receiving over four inches. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Manhattan and The Bronx, urging residents in basement apartments to relocate to higher ground. A video from The Bronx showed water flooding a building’s stairwell.
The storm’s intensity was linked to Tropical Storm Debby, which had made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm. Meteorologists explained that the combination of Debby’s moisture and a stationary weather front over the region contributed to the extreme rainfall. This phenomenon, known as a predecessor rain event, compounded the rainfall over New York City.
The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with significant flight cancellations and delays at New York City’s major airports. At LaGuardia International Airport, one-third of departures were canceled, while JFK and Newark Liberty airports faced similar issues. The forecast indicated more showers ahead as Tropical Storm Debby’s remnants were expected to impact the region through the weekend.
