A powerful storm brought New York City’s transit system to a grinding halt on Thursday, flooding roads, stranding commuters, and prompting emergency rescues across the city. Shocking footage captured the scope of the chaos—from a submerged MTA bus in Brooklyn to a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train stuck in rising floodwaters in Queens.
Torrential Rains Cripple Transit
Heavy downpours swept through the city and surrounding regions, flooding subway entrances, streets, and transit routes. One LIRR train came to a standstill near Bayside Station in Queens, with floodwaters rising rapidly around it. Emergency responders were dispatched to evacuate passengers.
In Brooklyn, another dramatic scene unfolded when floodwaters poured through an MTA bus on Farragut Road in East Flatbush. A passenger filmed the moment water surged through the vehicle, later shared by CBS New York.
Flight Disruptions Across the Northeast
The severe weather didn’t just cripple road and rail networks—flights were also affected. Dozens of cancellations were reported across New York City’s three major airports, with delays and cancellations extending to airports in Washington, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.
States of Emergency Declared
With flash flooding spreading across the Northeast, both New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency. Many employers sent workers home early, and emergency officials urged residents to avoid non-essential travel.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning to residents:
“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding.”
She added that state agencies remain on standby and are monitoring conditions in real-time to respond to any emerging threats.
The Aftermath
As rescue operations continue and cleanup begins, officials warn that more rain could be on the way. Commuters are advised to monitor weather and transit updates closely.
Stay safe, stay dry, and avoid unnecessary travel as flood conditions persist across the region.
