State of emergency declared in New York City due to flooding risk

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) declared a state of emergency across parts of New York due to extreme rainfall and flooding risks Friday morning.

The emergency declaration covers New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, Hochul posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

More than 4 inches of rain fell over parts of Brooklyn in three hours Friday morning. The intense rains caused flooding that closed roads, disrupted subway service and flights at LaGuardia International Airport and flooded basements in the area.

Officials closed Terminal A at LaGuardia, with social media posts showing widespread flooding.

The Weather Prediction Center issued a moderate risk of excessive rainfall over parts of northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England. The associated heavy rain will create numerous areas of flash flooding, the center said in an update.

“Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots,” the National Weather Service said in a flash flood warning announcement.

Millions of New Yorkers received a notice warning of flash floods that could cause damage and life-threatening situations.

The New York City Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory beginning Friday that goes through Saturday morning.

“New York City will be under a flood watch starting tomorrow and we urge New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and potential flooding throughout Friday and Saturday morning,” Zach Iscol, New York City Emergency Management commissioner, said in a statement released Thursday.

“All New Yorkers need to exercise caution. If you must travel, consider using public transportation and allow for extra time, and if you must drive, do not enter flooded roadways. If you live in a basement apartment, especially in a flood prone area, be prepared to move to higher ground,” he added.

–Judy Kurtz contributed to this report, which was updated at 12:32 p.m.