8.5 Million New Yorkers Under Flash Flood Warnings Amid Sustained Downpours

 

A state of emergency has been declared in New York City as strong storms bring flash flooding.

Record-setting rain overwhelmed New York City’s sewer system Friday, sending a surge of floodwater coursing through streets, schools and subways.

The flash floods have come less than three months after a storm triggered deadly floods in New York’s Hudson Valley and left Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, submerged.

One to five inches of rain have fallen in parts of New York City since early Friday, with one to two inches of rain an hour still expected in parts of the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens.

New York City’s major airports also took a hit. Based in Queens, LaGuardia international airport and the John F Kennedy Airport saw a number of flights getting cancelled or delayed.

“This is a very challenging weather event,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochu said. “This a life-threatening event. And I need all New Yorkers to heed that warning so we can keep them safe.” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy also declared a state of emergency for his state Friday afternoon.