Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding Hit New York City
Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding Hit New York City
US · Published Jul 20, 2026
New York City and surrounding areas experienced severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on Saturday, following days of smoky skies and high temperatures.
The National Weather Service reported that 2 to 4 inches of rain fell by early afternoon, with rainfall rates reaching up to 1 inch per hour.

Impact & Risks

The flash flooding caused transportation disruptions, including road closures on the Long Island Expressway and Clearview Expressway. Subways were flooded, and several vehicles were submerged, leading to water rescues. In Newark, emergency responders rescued drivers and passengers from cars trapped in floodwaters. The flooding also disrupted flights at LaGuardia, Kennedy, and Newark airports, and power outages and downed trees were reported. Residents in basement apartments were advised to move to higher floors due to the risk of flooding.

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