New York City has declared a state of emergency as heavy rainfall leads to flash floods, mudslides, and widespread disruption. The National Weather Service has reported that several areas have received 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, with an additional 2 inches expected. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley as roads became impassable and public transportation was severely impacted.
Governor Hochul urged residents to prepare their “escape routes” and not wait for the water levels to become dangerous. Safety was emphasized, and caution was advised when traveling on flooded roads. Concerns were also expressed for those living in basement homes, as a number of people drowned during Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The severity of the storm has led to the suspension of public transportation systems, with subway services halted and at least one terminal of LaGuardia Airport closed. The Subway department warned of limited connectivity and advised residents to check if service was running at their local station.
Photos and videos circulating on social media show significant parts of the city underwater, with individuals wading through knee-high water. The city’s emergency management commissioner, Zachary Iscol, stated that this was the wettest day since Hurricane Ida hit two years ago. Authorities expect another 2 to 4 inches of rainfall later in the day.
Emergency alerts were sent to cellphones in the city to inform residents of the severe weather conditions. It is crucial for individuals to pay close attention to weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The situation in New York City highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for infrastructure maintenance to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
Summery:
New York City has declared a state of emergency due to heavy rainfall causing floods and landslides. The city’s streets and highways are submerged under water, and public transport systems have broken down. Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to plan their “escape routes” and not wait until water levels are too high. Residents have been advised to move to higher ground and take necessary precautions for their safety. The city’s subway systems have halted, and at least one terminal of LaGuardia Airport has been closed. This is the wettest day in two years since Hurricane Ida hit the city. Authorities expect more rainfall throughout the day, and emergency alerts have been sent to cellphones in the city.
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