New York woke to a stormy scene as torrential rain swept through the city on Thursday, bringing record-breaking downpours and leaving tragedy and disruption in its wake.
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According to Mayor Eric Adams, two people lost their lives as the city faced sudden and severe flooding. Streets turned into rivers and travel across the region came to a standstill while emergency teams worked through the night to assist stranded residents and clear debris.
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Air travel thrown into chaos
As reported by Reuters, the deluge caused widespread flight cancellations and delays at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. Terminals were crowded with grounded travellers as staff worked to restore order after runways were temporarily closed due to standing water.
Record rainfall in minutes
The National Weather Service reported rainfall of nearly two inches in Central Park, with even higher totals recorded at LaGuardia and Newark within a matter of minutes. Coastal flood warnings were issued for the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens as low-lying neighbourhoods struggled to cope with the sudden influx of water.
A city soaked yet standing
As the storm eased, New Yorkers took to the streets to assess the damage. Yellow taxis pushed through flooded avenues and pedestrians huddled beneath umbrellas, watching reflections shimmer on the slick pavements. Despite the chaos, there was a strange beauty in the rain-drenched skyline, a reminder of the city’s resilience in the face of nature’s power.
For visitors and locals alike, the day was a lesson in how quickly the city can change its rhythm. Flights may be delayed and plans postponed, but even under grey skies, New York remains a place of movement, light and unstoppable energy.
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