New York City Opens 51 School Safe Sites as Heavy Rain Threatens Flash Flooding
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 29
New York City Opens 51 School Safe Sites as Heavy Rain Threatens Flash Flooding
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 29
Summary
Fifty-one New York City schools opened Tuesday night as temporary safe locations for residents threatened by flooding and will remain available while hazardous conditions persist.
Heavy downpours on already saturated ground prompted the move, with officials warning that even brief bursts of rain can quickly flood streets, basements and ground-floor homes, especially in repeatedly hit neighborhoods.
The city activated its flash-flood emergency plan, linking emergency management, the MTA, utilities and other agencies on a continuous response line while crews cleared catch basins and checked low-lying streets.
NYC Emergency Management also put its downed-tree task force on alert and urged residents not to walk or drive through floodwater, move out of basement apartments early and avoid downed power lines.