New York hit with heavy rain and flash flood, declares state of emergency
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New York City has declared a state of emergency as it grapples with one of its wettest days in decades and a flash flood, resulting from heavy overnight rains.
The financial capital of the United States has witnessed widespread disruption, including partially paralysed airports and subways due to waterlogging.
Visuals on social media showed passengers at LaGuardia Airport wading through floodwaters, with one of its terminals having to shut down.
The city faced significant challenges as half-submerged cars, blocked roads, and traffic jams hindered movement. Mayor Eric Adams advised residents to stay home and shelter in place, especially since some subway stations were flooded and transportation in the city became extremely difficult, reported AFP.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, urging residents to plan escape routes and not wait until water levels become dangerous.
People who live in basements were told to brace for the worst.
The New York subway system experienced closures in Brooklyn as water poured into stations, causing disruption for commuters. This extensive subway network is essential for millions of residents who rely on it for daily transportation.
Trains at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan were cancelled, leaving passengers stranded for hours. The flash flood has raised concerns about the impact of global warming on extreme weather events.
Rohit Aggarwala, the city's Environmental Protection Commissioner, highlighted that climate change is contributing to changing weather patterns, and the infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with these challenges.
The rain has eased in recent hours but the risk of flooding remains. Gov. Kathy Hochul said city residents should not be fooled by the reprieve and continue to exercise caution because "we are still in the throes of it". She told CNN that the biggest concern is people will go out in their vehicles seeing the "lull in the rain".