New York City is currently in recovery mode following a severe storm that resulted in extensive flooding across the region.
On Thursday, the storm unleashed record-setting rainfall, particularly in Central Park, which experienced its highest rainfall total in over a century.
LaGuardia and Newark airports also reported their highest precipitation levels on record, adding to the disruption felt throughout the city.
Unfortunately, the powerful storm has been linked to the tragic deaths of two men, who were discovered in flooded basements in Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan.
In addition to the flooding, the storm brought strong winds that resulted in downed trees and damaged roadways.
The city’s three major airports faced significant operational challenges, while public transit systems including subways and NJ Transit were similarly impacted.
Looking ahead, Friday has been designated as another First Alert Weather Day.
A wind advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to midnight, with potential peak gusts reaching 45 to 50 mph expected throughout the day.
The rainfall recorded during the storm was historic for several locations.
Specifically, Central Park recorded 1.83 inches, surpassing the previous daily record of 1.64 inches set in 1917.
LaGuardia Airport saw 2.09 inches, breaking its 1955 record of 1.18 inches, while Newark Airport recorded 2.04 inches, exceeding the same year’s record of 1.57 inches.
Other significant records include Islip on Long Island with 2.60 inches and Bridgeport, Connecticut, with 2.44 inches.
Some areas received even higher totals, with Greenwich, Connecticut reporting 3.90 inches and Wanaque, New Jersey spanning 3.64 inches.
Bay Shore, New York, saw totals surpassing 3 inches.
Wind conditions were also intense, with peak gusts reported at 57 mph in Sea Bright, New Jersey, and 53 mph at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Wind speeds exceeding 50 mph were also recorded in Bridgeport and Farmingdale on Long Island.
As the city prepares for Halloween, residents can expect dry weather conditions; however, strong winds are anticipated to return by late morning.
Gusts are projected to range between 35 and 50 mph, posing risks of downed trees and power lines.
Though high temperatures are expected to reach the mid-50s, the real-feel temperatures during Trick or Treating may drop to the 30-45 degree range due to the gusty winds.
In contrast, the forecast looks favorable for marathon runners over the coming weekend, with improved skies and seasonally normal highs.
In response to the heavy rainfall preceding the storm, the city’s Department of Environmental Protection activated a Flash Flood Plan to keep New Yorkers informed.
DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwall noted the significant impact of climate change, mentioning that four of the most intense storms in New York City’s recorded history have occurred within the last four years.
He explained that a primary contributor to the flooding was the sheer volume of rain, with 1 inch falling within just 10 minutes equivalent to approximately 6 inches per hour, far surpassing the sewer system’s design threshold of 1.75 inches per hour.
During the storm, the department received over 800 calls reporting flooding issues within just two hours.
Aggarwall highlighted the city’s efforts to clear 150,000 catch basins prior to storms, though the debris brought by the intense rain often results in blocked drains.
In one Brooklyn neighborhood, for instance, even clear catch basins became overwhelmed when leaves accumulated, obstructing drainage and leading to flooding.
Despite thorough preparation, cleanup crews still encountered significant challenges, including a foot of wet leaves needing to be cleared from certain catch basins.
For the latest updates, forecasts, and live alerts, the First Alert Weather team will continue to keep the public informed.
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