Thunderstorms Bring Flash Flooding to New York City After Days of Smoke and Heat

Heavy thunderstorms and downpours struck New York City and surrounding areas on Saturday, producing flash flooding after several days of smoky skies and high temperatures. Between two and four inches of rain fell by early afternoon, with rates up to an inch per hour recorded in some locations. The National Weather Service kept a life-threatening flash flood warning in effect until 3:30 p.m.

The heaviest rain fell in lower Manhattan and western Brooklyn and Queens. City emergency management officials urged residents of basement apartments to move to higher floors. All lanes of the Long Island Expressway at 188th Street were blocked in both directions due to flooding. The Clearview Expressway at Northern Boulevard was also closed in both directions.

The downpours caused flight delays and cancellations at LaGuardia, Kennedy, and Newark airports. Some arriving flights at Kennedy were delayed an average of one hour and 35 minutes. The rains occurred as the Northeast continued to experience dangerous air quality from nearly 1,000 active wildfires in Canada.

Officials said rain, shifting winds, and a cold front should eventually help clear the smoke.