Severe flooding in Brooklyn affects commuters as a storm hits New York City and New Jersey.
A severe weather event affected residents in New Jersey and parts of New York City, as tornado damage posed risks and the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning for Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, extending until 5 p.m. on Thursday. The weather system brought torrential rainfall and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph, resulting in hazardous conditions throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
As the storm progressed, emergency management representatives cautioned city residents to prepare for sudden downpours that could lead to reduced visibility, power outages, and potential tree or power line damage. Local authorities noted the possibility of flooding, especially in areas vulnerable to sudden rains.
In Brooklyn, the unprecedented downpour inundated streets, with reports on social media depicting vehicles partially submerged in several inches of water. This situation prompted City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang to advise the public to avoid travel on Eighth Avenue in southern Brooklyn, where flooding significantly disrupted traffic flow and affected street vendors in the area.
Transportation services across New York City experienced turmoil as the storm wrought havoc during the afternoon commute. The G train service, which operates on the Brooklyn-Queens line, was suspended in both directions between the Bedford-Nostrand and Court Square stations due to flooding near Greenpoint Avenue in north Brooklyn. Additionally, delays were reported on the Nos. 2 and 5 trains in East Flatbush, as well as the R and L lines, all stemming from water surges on the tracks that disrupted regular service.
In particular, waterlogged conditions were noted near the Newkirk Avenue station, which adversely impacted the Southern Brooklyn lines, while the Fourth Avenue line at the 86th Street station in Bay Ridge also faced challenges due to similar flooding. Furthermore, emergency personnel with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) were seen inspecting vehicles stranded in floodwater at the intersection of Fulton Street and Tompkins Avenue, highlighting the immediate impacts on local residents.
The heavy rains are expected to persist intermittently until approximately 10 p.m., raising concerns of further flooding and mobility issues for New York City residents. Municipal agencies continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and stay tuned for further warnings and advisories from weather authorities and local officials.
As the community braces for ongoing weather challenges, the collaboration of various local departments is crucial to managing public safety and infrastructure resilience in the face of natural disasters.
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