New York Declares State of Emergency as Torrential Rain Causes Widespread Flooding and Chaos
New York City and its environs are in the grip of a catastrophic flooding event as unrelenting heavy rains continue to pummel the region. The situation has reached such a critical point that authorities have declared a state of emergency, imploring residents to remain in their homesโexcept for those residing in basement apartments, who have been given special instructions to ensure their safety.
Governor Kathy Hochul took to social media to issue a dire warning: “Please take every precaution to ensure your safety, and under no circumstances should anyone attempt to navigate flooded streets.”
The National Weather Service has also issued an urgent advisory, urging people to seek higher ground immediately and stressing the need to act swiftly to secure their safety.
Dramatic images have emerged, depicting the extent of the flooding that has brought the city to a standstill. Public transportation systems have been severely hampered, with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) issuing a plea: “If you have no essential travel plans, please remain at home.” Several subway lines have been entirely suspended due to the deluge.
๐ฒ New York, USA ๐๐๐ฆ
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[#newyorkcity #underwater #Flood #flooding #NYC #Manhattan #NYCFlood #NYCFlooding]pic.twitter.com/lPpnMo1XZLโ XTrends (@XtrendsXsurf) September 30, 2023
As the crisis unfolds, major roadways and airport terminals have been forced to shut down. LaGuardia Airport has closed Terminal A, which primarily handles domestic flights. Both JFK Airport and Newark have reported significant disruptions caused by the relentless and severe weather.
In a remarkable twist to the unfolding events, Central Park Zoo experienced a peculiar incident. The torrential rains resulted in the overflowing of a sea lion enclosure, enabling Sally, one of the resident sea lions, to briefly make her escape. Sally ventured around the zoo’s premises before returning to the enclosure she shares with two other sea lions.
Zoo personnel diligently monitored Sally’s unexpected excursion, ensuring the safety of staff and visitors alike. Jim Breheny, the zoo’s deputy director, confirmed that Sally never posed a threat, as she remained within the zoo’s boundaries and never breached the enclosure’s protective fencing.
The situation in New York remains fluid, with emergency services working tirelessly to manage the crisis. Residents are urged to stay updated on official advisories and to prioritize their safety as the region grapples with this ongoing weather emergency.
The level of rain in New York just transformed the city into Venice now.#flashflood #flooding #flood #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #brooklyn #rain #streetflooding #brooklynflooding #Manhattan | #NewYork pic.twitter.com/tLOspeJgFi
โ RestoringOurCulture (@MigrantsOut) September 30, 2023
People grocery shopping in knee high water during the apocalyptic flooding in New York City today as strange new animals float around them. #flashflood #flooding #flooded #NewYork #newyorkcity #NYCFlooding #brooklyn #Rain #streetflooding #brooklynflooding #Manhattan pic.twitter.com/DmrIh2FX5a
โ SaiFuu (@SaiFuu345663) September 30, 2023