New York Record Rainfall: The heavy rain in New York City caused widespread confusion. Busy streets flooded, and city infrastructure struggled to cope. On an unusual day, residents and authorities faced powerful natural forces.
At JFK Airport in New York, 8 inches of rain fell in one day, breaking 1948 records. The storm was stronger in Brooklyn, with three hours of rain. Due to a warmer atmosphere’s ability to hold and release water rapidly, extreme weather is seen as a sign of climate change.
New Yorkers were surprised by rising waves during rush hour on Friday morning. Stranded commuters avoided increasing floods as first responders performed daring rescues. As chaos spread, basements filled like rapidly draining baths.
NY Governor Kathy Hochul declared an emergency due to the city’s extreme danger to lives. She advised staying home despite the storm’s travel risks. Gov. Phil Murphy of NJ said a state of emergency too.
150 of NYC’s 1,400 schools experienced flooding. Education officials had to ensure student safety while addressing the situation. A Brooklyn school was evacuated due to a flooded boiler breakdown.
Subway and train service halted, causing transportation disruptions. The MTA had to add more cars due to late trains. Later that day, some services were restored, but the flood’s impact remained.
The storm caused flight delays at all three NYC airports. The Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport was briefly closed due to flooding. This made flying even harder.
Amidst the confusion, it became clear that the strange weather trends signalled a more significant issue: climate change. Rohit Aggarwala, NYC’s Chief Climate Officer, discussed worsening climate and inadequate infrastructure adaptation.
During the rainstorm, New Yorkers showed strength as officials worked to restore services and address the growing problem. But it was a potent reminder of the need to address climate change’s impact on cities and infrastructure. We need prompt answers to questions about improving city resilience in the face of climate change.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the highest rainfall in NYC?
The National Weather Service reported that John F. Kennedy International Airport experienced a record-breaking rainfall of over 8.65 inches (21.97 centimeters). This amount surpassed the previous record set during Hurricane Donna in 1960 for any September day.
What day has the highest rainfall in New York 2023 today?
Kennedy International Airport was hit hard by heavy rainfall, receiving a total of 8.67 inches (220 mm) of rain. The majority of this rainfall, 8.05 inches (204 mm), occurred on September 29, setting a preliminary record for the highest amount of rainfall in a single day.
What is the record rainfall in Central Park?
Central Park in Manhattan experienced a record-setting rainfall with almost 2 inches of rain pouring down in just one hour. This was the second-wettest hour in the park’s history over the past 80 years.
Is New York flooding 2023?
In September 2023, New York City experienced one of its rainiest days ever recorded. The remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia returned to the area, causing heavy rainfall.