A substantial amount of rainfall, exceeding 15 centimeters, caused widespread disruptions in New York City on Friday, hindering road travel and subway commuting, and affecting major airports.
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in New York as cars became stranded in floodwaters, basements flooded, and rescue teams were deployed to save individuals in danger due to rising water levels.
Flood warnings were issued for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
The governor joined the mayor in a press conference to warn of the severe weather, with Adams urging New Yorkers to stay in their homes, connect with friends and family, and avoid the roads.
Adams emphasized the gravity of the situation, underscoring that it is a serious weather event that should not be underestimated.
He urged residents to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution, emphasizing that the storm is ongoing.
As of Friday afternoon, local time, rainfall levels reached 20 centimeters at John F. Kennedy Airport, according to the National Weather Service, making Friday the rainiest day on record there since records began in 1984.
The agency warned that rainfall would continue for hours and that the risk of ongoing flooding on highways, streets, and tunnels remained. Chaos was also reported in the subway system.
