Updated
Updated · Gothamist · Jul 22
NYC Extends Flash Flood Warning to 5 Boroughs as Tornado Watch Holds Until 9 p.m.
Updated
Updated · Gothamist · Jul 22

NYC Extends Flash Flood Warning to 5 Boroughs as Tornado Watch Holds Until 9 p.m.

3 articles · Updated · Gothamist · Jul 22

Summary

  • Flash flood warnings covered all five New York City boroughs Tuesday evening, with Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens under alerts until 7:15 p.m. and the Bronx extended to 7:30 p.m.
  • 1 to 2 inches of heavy rain from severe storms could flood highways, streets, underpasses and low-lying areas, while officials said atmospheric conditions were favorable for tornado development even though none had been confirmed.
  • Travel disruptions had already begun: flooding delayed traffic on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, and a fallen tree shut all northbound Henry Hudson Parkway lanes near West 66th Street.
  • NYC emergency officials urged basement residents to move higher, drivers to avoid flooded roads, and all residents to keep alerts on and identify an interior shelter room away from windows.
  • The citywide warnings were part of a broader regional storm threat that also put Westchester under flash flood and tornado alerts and prompted New Jersey to close state offices early.

Insights

As El Niño fuels stronger storms, why does predictable rainfall still threaten to paralyze America's largest city?
With flash floods the deadliest threat, why can't forecasts pinpoint which neighborhoods will be hit hardest?
Are homeowner solutions like 'blue roofs' a realistic defense against the growing threat of urban flash floods?