A state of emergency has been declared in New York City and surrounding areas as a "life-threatening storm" brought extreme rainfall and widespread flooding to the northeastern region of the United States. Approximately 23 million people in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut were under flood watches, with subway lines closed and streets submerged.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared the state of emergency due to the dangerous weather conditions, with up to 13 cm (five inches) of rain falling in some areas overnight, and an additional 18 cm (seven inches) expected during the day. The heavy rainfall led to the closure of subway lines, flooded streets and highways, and the closure of one terminal at LaGuardia Airport.
Almost every subway line experienced delays or suspensions, and two of the Metro-North Railroad's three lines were suspended. Flash flood warnings were in effect for parts of Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and New Jersey.
Meteorologist Zack Taylor warned against travel in the treacherous conditions, as drivers faced standstill traffic on FDR Drive in Manhattan. Governor Hochul attributed such extreme weather events to climate change, emphasizing that the region must adapt to these challenges as storms become more frequent in a warming atmosphere.
