New York, N.Y. – Drivers and pedestrians across New York City face sudden street flooding and dangerous road conditions as torrential thunderstorms batter the area Thursday afternoon. Emergency alerts are in effect for Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and northwestern Nassau County, where heavy rainfall is quickly overwhelming storm drains and low-lying streets.
According to the National Weather Service in Upton, a Flash Flood Warning remains active until 5:30 p.m. after Doppler radar detected between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain already falling, with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible within the hour. The heaviest downpours are tracking across Flushing, Harlem, Mott Haven, Great Neck, and key travel corridors including the Throgs Neck and RFK Bridges and LaGuardia Airport. Flash flooding is ongoing or imminent, especially in poor drainage zones and underpasses.
Major roads, subway stations, and neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, Bayside, and Port Washington could see water rise quickly, stalling vehicles and disrupting evening commutes. Residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel, move to higher ground if needed, and never attempt to drive through flooded streets. Power outages and transit delays are possible as storms persist.
This is the third significant flash flooding event for New York City this summer, recalling June’s rapid street inundations. The threat will remain through Thursday evening, with more flood advisories possible if rain bands stall or intensify.
Warnings are in effect until at least 5:30 p.m. Stay tuned for updates and further alerts as storms move across the metro area.
