New York City is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating storm that shattered rainfall records on Thursday. Central Park recorded its highest daily rainfall in over a century, while LaGuardia and Newark airports reported unprecedented totals as well. The storm claimed at least two lives in Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan, where victims were discovered in flooded basements.
Record Rainfall in NYC
Central Park experienced an astonishing 1.83 inches of rain, surpassing the previous record of 1.64 inches set in 1917. LaGuardia Airport recorded 2.09 inches, breaking its old record of 1.18 inches from 1955. Newark Airport followed suit with 2.04 inches, exceeding its record of 1.57 inches also established in 1955.
Other Notable Rainfall Totals
- Islip, Long Island: 2.60 inches
- Bridgeport, Connecticut: 2.44 inches
- Greenwich, Connecticut: 3.90 inches
- Wanaque, New Jersey: 3.64 inches
- Bay Shore, New York: 3.00 inches
Storm Damage and Response
The storm unleashed heavy rain, leading to widespread flooding on roadways and downing trees around the city. Major transportation hubs, including subways and New Jersey Transit, were severely impacted. A wind advisory was issued for Friday, with peak gusts expected to reach 45-50 mph.
In preparation for such events, the City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a Flash Flood Plan ahead of the storm. Commissioner Rohit Aggarwall emphasized the increasing intensity of storms and their effects on city infrastructure. He noted that the sewer system is designed to handle only 1.75 inches of rain per hour, yet the storm delivered an astonishing inch in just 10 minutes.
Alerting New Yorkers
During the emergency, the DEP received over 800 calls regarding flooding issues within a mere two hours. Aggarwall highlighted the challenge of keeping the city’s 150,000 catch basins clear. In some areas, debris such as leaves obstructed drainage, exacerbating flooding conditions.
Looking Ahead
As Halloween approaches, the city anticipates dry but windy conditions for trick-or-treaters. Wind gusts may range from 35-50 mph, posing risks for downed trees and power lines. Fortunately, the weather is projected to improve by Sunday for the NYC Marathon, promising brighter skies and more favorable temperatures.
This recent storm serves as a stark reminder of the escalating risks associated with climate change and the importance of effective urban infrastructure in managing such challenges.
