Rain hit New York in a way never seen before. Subway stations completely overflowed, flooded buses, streets drowned in water and Central Park which was the protagonist of one of the most unusual scenes: a sea lion escaping from the zoo taking advantage of the flood.
The floods were so intense that they devastated several neighborhoods and affected millions of New Yorkers. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, declared a state of emergency throughout New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley.
"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," Hochul said.
Mayor Eric Adams, according to the New York Post, received several criticisms for the slowness of communications and public services in addressing the crisis.
“I am dumbfounded by the lack of communication from City Hall to prepare people for this extreme weather event,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn), who represents Brooklyn Heights and Williamsburg South. "Aggressive, early communication and to plan for the worst-case scenario … Neither happened here."
Many images of the floods were shocking, on one street social media documented how a mini whirlpool appeared in the middle of an avenue while the cars were overwhelmed by the water.
Emergency in nyc pic.twitter.com/oNl1idC937
— EveryThing Plus ULTRA (@EveryTPlusULTRA) September 29, 2023
“Today was a bit strange here in New York as it started raining early in the morning. Luckily, I was able to get to work without any problems, but as the day continued the train stations and streets were flooding and the situation was declared an emergency,” Christian Medina, a NYC resident, told Voz Media.
“More than 18 train lines were suspended and it was very difficult to return home, all trains were delayed, main roads closed for the time being due to flooding,” Medina added.
New York Magazine shared a review of the most striking images of the day. Flooded buses, the subway overwhelmed and houses giving in to the water were part of the story.
Buckle in, New York. Flash-flood phone alerts went off this morning after most people had already left for work and school, the MTA is warning of “major disruptions," and the day has just started.
Head to @curbed for more scenes from the flood: https://t.co/hFYYnzY6u3 pic.twitter.com/84QmUqGIOn
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) September 29, 2023
The same media outlet published one of the images of the day, a sea lion that briefly escaped from Central Park.
A sea lion at the Central Park Zoo managed to swim out of her pool today after the entire plaza around her enclosure flooded pic.twitter.com/gb4TIGUA3n
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) September 29, 2023
