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Ida aftermath: NYC, New Jersey overwhelmed by severe flooding

By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

NEW YORK — The remnants of Hurricane Ida continued to wreak havoc in the Northeast on Wednesday, producing historic rainfall and flash flood warnings in the New York metropolitan area.

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The National Weather Service in New York City warned residents not to drive through flooded areas, saying that people should “turn around, don’t drown.”

Most of New York City was under a flash flood emergency, and the National Weather Service said it was the first time it ever had to issue one in the metropolitan area, WNBC reported.

The NWS said it recorded 3.15 inches of rain in Central Park in one hour, according to WABC. Newark Liberty International Airport recorded 3.24 inches of rain between 8 and 9 p.m., The New York Times reported.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency for the city.

“We’re enduring a historic weather event tonight with record-breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding and dangerous conditions on our roads,” de Blasio tweeted.

Earlier in the evening, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency.

“Tropical Storm Ida is severely impacting all areas of our state,” Murphy said in a statement. “The safety of our residents is our main priority, and we urge everyone to be informed of local weather conditions and to stay off the roads.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul followed suit several hours later, declaring a state of emergency for the entire state.

Hector Lora, the mayor of Passaic, New Jersey, declared a state of emergency in his city, with 4 to 5 feet of water on the ground, WNBC reported.

Officials with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority urged residents to avoid all subway travel if possible, WPIX reported.

“We strongly recommend you avoid traveling at this time, if you can,” the MTA tweeted.

The MTA’s website showed service was suspended across more than 18 subway lines, the Times reported.

>> Ida aftermath: Tornado causes severe damage in New Jersey

All New Jersey rail service, with the exception of the Atlantic City line, was suspended, according to New Jersey Transit.

Newark Liberty International Airport was experiencing “severe flooding,” the airport tweeted, confirming videos posted on social media that showed deep water pooling inside.

“All flight activity is currently suspended and travelers are strongly advised to contact their airline for the latest flight & service resumption information,” the statement said. “Passengers are being diverted from ground-level flooded areas.”

Rain caused flooding in New York’s subways, and the outfield at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx was under water, according to WABC. An on-ramp to the Brooklyn Bridge was also under water.

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Ida aftermath Members of the Weldon Fire Company walk through floodwaters in Dresher, Pennsylvania after the area experienced downpours and high winds. (Matt Rourke/Associated Press )

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