New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in New York City, the Hudson Valley and Long Island on Friday over torrential rain that has caused severe flooding throughout the city.
“Ahead of this storm we deployed thousands of State personnel and I have directed all State agencies to provide all necessary resources to address this extreme weather event. It is critical that all New Yorkers take all necessary precautions and avoid flooded roads, which are some of the most dangerous places during flash floods,” the governor said in a statement.
Videos of the flooding were shared on X, formerly Twitter.
“So scary, New York City is flooding! The governor has declared a state of emergency. Climate change will only continue to make this worse,” one user posted along with a video showing vehicles partially submerged in deep floodwaters.
Another video also showed flooding in a subway station.
“This is a dangerous weather condition and it is not over,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Friday morning. “I don’t want those gaps in heavy rain to give the appearance that it is over, it is not.”
The city issued a travel advisory through Saturday at 6 a.m. local time due to possible “widespread travel impacts.”
“We urge New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and potential flooding throughout Friday and Saturday morning,” NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said. “All New Yorkers need to exercise caution. If you must travel, consider using public transportation and allow for extra travel time, and if you must drive, do not enter flooded roadways.”
The state of emergency comes as city officials grapple with the ongoing migrant crisis that Adams recently warned “will destroy New York City.”
“Let me tell you something, New Yorkers. Never in my life have I had a problem that I did not see an ending to. I don’t see an ending to this. I don’t see an ending to this. This issue will destroy New York City. Destroy New York City,” Adams said. “We’re getting 10,000 migrants a month.”
“We had a $12 billion deficit that we’re going to have to cut. Every service in this city is going to be impacted. All of us,” Adams continued. “It’s going to come to your neighborhoods. All of us are going to be impacted by this. I said it last year when we had 15,000. I’m telling you now with 110,000. The city we knew we’re about to lose. And we’re all in this together.”
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
