On Saturday afternoon, a flash flood warning was issued for New York City as heavy rainfall led to disruptions at local airports.
The downpour persisted until around noon, prompting the warning to cover all five boroughs.
By 1 p.m., parts of Manhattan, particularly around the South Street Seaport, had transformed into a virtual swamp.
Stunning footage captured a New Yorker navigating through shin-deep water, highlighting just how severe the situation had become.
In Queens, the Long Island Expressway was submerged at 188th Street, leading to a complete traffic shutdown in both directions.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani emphasized the danger, stating, “Severe thunderstorms are occurring across New York City, and flood advisories are in effect for much of the city. Please do not risk your safety in these dangerous conditions.”
Residents in low-lying areas were urged to seek higher ground and vacate basements.
The rain also included some pea-sized hail, with weather alerts issued for all boroughs except the Bronx.
All three major airports—LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark—were forced to ground flights, with the FAA mandating that they remain closed until at least 3 p.m.
By 1 p.m., flight delays at LaGuardia reached up to four hours.
Forecasts indicated that rain would likely continue throughout the day, with some parts of the city on track to receive nearly 2.5 inches within a three-hour span.
The hardest-hit areas included lower Manhattan, western Brooklyn, and Queens, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management.
A warning from authorities advised against driving, walking, or swimming in flooded areas, pointing out that it could be life-threatening. “As little as 6 inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet, and even a foot could sweep away your car,” they cautioned.
Additionally, the storm posed risks of strong gusts that could topple trees.
Environmental concerns were also raised, as the rain could carry soot and ash from recent Canadian wildfires, which have affected air quality in the city.
On Saturday, air quality levels were deemed “unhealthy,” but meteorologists suggested that the storm might help clear some of the pollution. Looking ahead, Sunday is predicted to bring sunny skies, low humidity, and improved air quality.
