The torrential New York City rainfall caught many commuters by surprise during the Friday morning rush hour, leading to dramatic rescue efforts by first responders.
New York City rainfall reached unprecedented levels on Friday, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure and plunging streets, basements, schools, subways, and vehicles into chaos
In a staggering meteorological event, New York‘s John F. Kennedy International Airport recorded nearly 8 inches of New York City rainfall in a single day, a record not seen since 1948. Brooklyn experienced a deluge of a month’s worth of New York City rainfall in just three hours, showcasing the storm’s extreme intensity. Scientists attribute these prolific New York City rainfalls to climate change, with a warmer atmosphere capable of holding and releasing more moisture in rapid bursts that overwhelm outdated flood defenses.
Rohit Aggarwala, New York City’s Chief Climate Officer, emphasized the role of climate change in these extreme weather patterns, stating that “our climate is changing faster than our infrastructure can respond.” By late Friday afternoon, 3 to 6 inches of rain had soaked New York City, leading Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency for the city, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley due to life-threatening flooding.
The New York City Fire Department conducted rescues in six flooded basements, while 150 schools and several subway lines were also affected
Officials expressed resilience and determination to restore normalcy to the city. In addition to the transportation disruptions, all three New York City area airports experienced flight delays, with temporary closures in some terminals due to flooding. Flood warnings remained in effect for parts of Connecticut, New Jersey, and southern New York, underscoring the severity of this New York City rainfall event.
The extreme New York City rainfall statistics included a month’s worth of rain in Brooklyn in just three hours, a record-breaking downpour in Central Park, and the wettest day ever recorded at John F. Kennedy International Airport.