Torrential rains swept across New York City on Thursday, leaving at least two people dead and causing widespread travel chaos as flash floods inundated streets and grounded hundreds of flights.
According to Mayor Eric Adams, the victims were found in separate incidents after intense rainfall overwhelmed parts of the city’s drainage system. The National Weather Service issued multiple coastal flood warnings across The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, urging residents to avoid travel and stay alert for rising water levels.
Meteorologists reported that the storm delivered record-breaking precipitation within minutes. Central Park recorded 1.85 inches (4.7 cm) of rain, while LaGuardia Airport saw 2.09 inches (5.31 cm) and Newark Liberty International Airport in neighboring New Jersey measured 1.99 inches (5.05 cm) much of it falling in just a 10-minute window.
The deluge brought major disruptions to air travel, with significant delays and cancellations reported at LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Newark. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that ground stops were issued intermittently throughout the afternoon due to poor visibility and flooded taxiways.
Public transportation also struggled to cope. Subway lines experienced partial suspensions as floodwaters poured into underground stations, while surface traffic crawled through submerged intersections across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
City emergency crews worked overnight to clear clogged drains and assist stranded motorists. “Our first priority is saving lives and restoring mobility,” Mayor Adams said during a press briefing. “We urge New Yorkers to exercise patience and caution as we recover from this extreme weather event.”
Experts warn that such short, high-intensity storms could become more common as climate change alters rainfall patterns across the U.S. Northeast, placing increasing stress on urban infrastructure.
As the cleanup continues, authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage and monitoring forecasts for potential follow-up showers over the weekend. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
