‘Life-threatening rainfall event’: Heavy rain leaving roads, subways flooded; some left stranded

NEW YORK — Heavy rain led to flooding in streets, roadways and even subways in New York City on Friday.

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Update 1:41 p.m. EDT Sept. 30: The National Weather Service said that more than 8.65 inches of rain fell at John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to The Associated Press. It broke a record for any month of September and one that was set by Hurricane Donna in 1960.

Some parts of Brooklyn saw over 7.25 inches of rain, the AP reported.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Saturday morning that more rain is expected Saturday. She also said that the worst rain is over.

Hochul also said that there were no deaths, the AP said.

Original story: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the storm a “life-threatening rainfall event,” in a news conference Friday, according to The New York Times. Hochul declared a state of emergency as well, advising New Yorkers to stay home. She also said residents with basements should be preparing for the worst.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy also declared a statement of emergency, according to X, formerly known as Twitter.

“We are experiencing heavy rainfall that is expected to accelerate in many parts of the state over the next several hours,” Murphy said.

More than 4 inches of rain dropped in Brooklyn in about three hours. The National Weather Service warned that rainfall totals could exceed 8 eight inches in some parts of the tri-state area, CNN reported. The heaviest rainfall hit parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn on Friday morning.

The National Weather Service issued a flash-flood warning for Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. According to the Times, a flash-flood warning, which is usually issued for only “extreme and rare rainfall,” was in effect for the Bronx, Staten Island. Jersey City, New Jersey was also given additional warnings.

“Some of our subways are flooded and it is extremely difficult to move around the city. Many of our area airports are experiencing delays. “If you are out and encounter a flooded area, roadway or subway station, do not enter and take necessary precautions. This is a dangerous weather condition and it is not over. I don’t want the gaps in heavy rain to give the appearance it is over. It is not. We could see 8 inches of rain before the day is over,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a news conference, according to WABC.

Traffic remained at a standstill Friday with some water rising above the cars’ tires, according to the news outlet. Some drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles.

“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,” Hochul said on X.

No deaths related to the storms or critical injuries have been reported, according to The Associated Press.

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Heavy rainfall in New York leaves flooded roads, subways NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: A person makes a video of a flood water on Parkside Avenue on September 29, 2023 in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn borough New York City. Flash flooding is expected in the counties of Nassau, Queens and Kings, which includes Brooklyn, according to the state’s National Weather Service office as remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia reaches the Northeast. Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for the NYC area. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)