Travel Nightmare in New York City

A storm in New York City on Friday has caused chaos and disruption, with heavy rain and flooding affecting transportation and flights. The city has experienced rainfall of up to 6 inches, potentially the highest daily total since Hurricane Ida hit in September 2021. Mayor Eric Adams has emphasized that the situation is far from over, despite intermittent breaks in heavy rain.

State of Emergency Declared

In response to the significant impact of the storm, both Mayor Eric Adams and New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul have declared a state of emergency. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning as well.

Transportation Delays

The storm's toll is noticeable for anyone attempting to navigate the city. As of 1:15 p.m. ET, service on more than 15 of New York City's subway lines has been either partially or completely suspended. Commuter lines, such as Metro-North Railroad, connecting the city with its suburbs, have also been heavily affected. The Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines in both directions between Manhattan and the Bronx have stopped service.

Advice to Stay Home

Flight Cancellations

Flight operations at the three major airports in the area have also been significantly impacted. Over 300 flights have been canceled so far, with 247 cancellations at LaGuardia Airport alone. The aviation tracking company FlightAware has been monitoring the situation.

Road Flooding

Roadways and streets in the city are experiencing critical flooding levels. Social media has been flooded with images of submerged cars and drivers attempting to navigate through treacherous conditions.

Friday's Rainfall

Meteorologist Dominic Ramunni from the National Weather Service in New York attributes Friday's heavy rainfall to a coastal storm and low pressure off the East Coast. These factors have brought in deep moisture from the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in one of the wettest days in recent history.

Under the influence of a coastal storm, New York City is currently facing severe disruptions due to heavy rain and flooding. Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul have declared a state of emergency, while transportation services, flights, and roadways have been adversely affected. The situation remains precarious, and residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.