New York City Declares State of Emergency as Severe Flooding Causes Chaos and Rescues
New York City has declared a state of emergency after severe flooding wreaked havoc across the city, causing chaos and leading to numerous rescues. The city experienced an astonishing amount of rainfall, with some areas receiving almost eight inches (20 cm) of rain. The downpour was so intense that it even enabled a sea lion at Central Park Zoo to briefly swim out of its enclosure.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned of life-threatening floods and declared a state of emergency for New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. In response to the situation, some National Guard troops were deployed to assist in rescue efforts. Emergency officials in Mamaroneck, a Westchester County suburb, utilized inflatable rafts to rescue people trapped in buildings due to flooding.
The extensive flooding caused significant disruptions to New York’s transportation systems. The subway system and Metro North commuter rail service were severely affected, leading to the suspension of subway lines and the closure of many stations. Bus routes also experienced major delays, trapping riders for hours. Authorities advised New Yorkers to avoid traveling unless they were fleeing from flooded areas.
Intense rainfalls like the one experienced on Friday have become increasingly common in several parts of the United States, including the New York City region. Experts attribute this trend to global warming, which has caused more extreme weather patterns worldwide.
This recent rainfall marks one of the wettest Septembers on record for New York. As of Friday morning, a staggering 13.74 inches (34.9 cm) of rain had fallen during the month, with more expected. According to Dominic Ramunni, a National Weather Service forecaster, the all-time high for September rainfall was set in 1882 with 16.82 inches (42.72 cm).
Despite the dire warnings, New York City’s public schools remained open. While some buildings experienced flooding, there was no impact on school operations. However, Bronxville, a suburban district north of the city, dismissed students early due to worsening flooding.
Residents faced immense challenges due to the flooding, with vehicles marooned on streets and subway stations completely inundated. Mohammed Doha, a construction worker residing in The Hole, a low-lying area on the Brooklyn-Queens border, highlighted the absence of proper drainage systems compared to other parts of the city. This sentiment was echoed by Yasiel Ogando, a hospital worker, as they struggled with flooding in their homes.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended his administration’s response, stating that all necessary precautions had been taken. However, some elected officials and residents criticized the lack of warning about the flooding, drawing comparisons to the lack of warnings regarding toxic smoke from Canadian wildfires earlier this year.
The neighboring city of Hoboken, New Jersey also declared a state of emergency as most of the southern routes into the city were submerged. Despite the presence of newly installed floodgates, designed to automatically close during flooding, many streets were inaccessible to vehicles.
The recent deluge follows heavy downpours and strong winds caused by Tropical Storm Ophelia’s remnants last weekend. These weather conditions resulted in power outages across several states, including New York.
Overall, the severe flooding has caused widespread disruption and chaos in New York City. As the effects of climate change continue to be felt, cities are experiencing more frequent and intense weather events. Efforts to mitigate the impact of such events, including improved infrastructure and early warning systems, will be crucial.
