A powerful storm system brought New York City to a standstill Thursday, unleashing severe thunderstorms and torrential rain that caused flash floods across the boroughs. Amid the chaos, a viral video captured floodwater gushing through the walls of the 7th Avenue subway station in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
The clip, widely circulated on social media, shows water streaming out of the station walls near the entrance, prompting alarm over the subway system’s vulnerability during extreme weather. “Floodwater seeped through the walls of the 7th Avenue station in Park Slope as storms brought heavy rain and flooding to New York City,” read one post on X, along with the video.
Subways Swamped, Cars Submerged
The 7th Avenue station wasn’t alone. Other footage showed dramatic scenes from across the city, including water pouring into Brooklyn’s Jay Street-MetroTech station like a waterfall. In Queens, a vehicle was spotted nearly fully submerged along the Clearwater Expressway. Train service on Brooklyn’s Q line was suspended after a fallen tree blocked the tracks.
Mayor Declares State of Emergency
In response, Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency, urging residents to shelter in place. “I’ve issued a state of emergency. The Travel Advisory and Flood Watch are in effect until 8 AM,” Adams posted on X. “Stay where you are if you can. Don’t drive. Roadways are flooding, and crews are responding.”
The mayor also issued a stark warning for residents of basement apartments, where the risk of dangerous flooding is highest. “If you live in a basement apartment and haven’t yet moved to higher ground, move now,” he said.
Citywide Alert from Officials
Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani also weighed in, warning of the growing threat to public safety. “A powerful coastal storm is hitting our city and dangerous flash floods could affect thousands of New Yorkers,” Mamdani wrote on X. He urged people to heed the travel advisory, avoid flooded areas, and stay indoors unless relocating to safety.
The National Weather Service has issued continued flood warnings for the region, and cleanup efforts are expected to last well into the weekend.
