News Summary
Flash flooding hit Queens following heavy rains, leading to significant disruptions and rescues on the Clearview Expressway. A localized State of Emergency was declared as waters rose dramatically, with reports of stranded vehicles and bus disruptions. Emergency services worked diligently to rescue those trapped without any reported injuries. Residents faced the brunt of the flooding, which also impacted public services. Authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas following the storm, as flood watches remain in effect amidst predictions of additional rain.
Flash Flooding Hits Queens, Causing Major Disruptions
On Thursday afternoon, heavy rains unleashed a powerful wave of flash flooding on the Clearview Expressway in Queens, leading to a series of dramatic rescues and the declaration of a localized State of Emergency. New York City’s Mayor took swift action as downpours transformed the road into a river, making travel almost impossible in some areas.
Rising Waters and Eye-Opening Videos
Video captured on the Citizen App painted a striking picture of the chaos, showing a person perched on top of their vehicle, surrounded by rising floodwaters. Other reports described multiple vehicles, including a large tractor trailer, stranded in deep water, with an onlooker estimating that some spots had water levels reaching an astounding 10 feet deep.
As the storm surged, witnesses talked about experiencing around three inches of rain falling in just one hour, creating an overwhelming scenario in which the water quickly surged up and blocked travel routes. But the storm’s strength eventually lessened, and by 5:20 p.m., the Clearview Expressway was reopened as crews worked diligently to clear the affected area.
Emergency Response and Rescues
First responders were on the scene, working tirelessly to rescue anyone trapped inside their vehicles. Fortunately, all individuals were safely rescued, and miraculously, there were no reported injuries. The Deputy Mayor illustrated the severity of the rainfall, likening it to a monsoon, emphasizing how unusual the circumstances were given the amount of rain that fell in such a brief time.
Hard-Hit Areas and More Consequences
Across Queens, residents felt the brunt of the storm’s impact. Fast-rising floodwaters not only stalled traffic but also caused significant disruptions in daily life. Submerged parked cars in neighborhoods like Bayside were a common sight, with one individual even leaving a note on their vehicle indicating it wouldn’t start due to the flooding.
Adding to the storm’s aftermath, the public library on Northern Boulevard also saw its carpet soaked, showcasing the widespread nature of the flooding. In a particularly tense situation, commuters aboard a stuck LIRR train near the Bayside station were rescued by firefighters after being trapped by the flooding, causing passengers considerable discomfort and loss of power.
Travel Chaos and Ongoing Warnings
As if that weren’t enough, travel services across the board faced severe disruptions. MTA buses and expressways were affected, leaving many commuters stranded. Additionally, flights at the three major airports in the area experienced delays, some reaching up to three hours as a result of the storm.
Aftermath and Precautions
As rain levels dwindled and the skies cleared, authorities took proactive measures to check on vulnerable residents, especially those living in basement apartments in low-lying areas of Queens. A flood watch remains in effect until Friday morning, with predictions suggesting that up to an additional five inches of rain could come down.
As the community continues to assess the storm’s impact, it’s clear that the flash flooding left a mark on Queens, serving as a reminder of nature’s raw power and the importance of being prepared for sudden weather changes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC7NY
- Fox 5 NY
- CBS News
- New York Post
- SI Live
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- Google Search: Queens flash flooding
- Google Scholar: Queens flooding 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood (Weather)
- Google News: NYC flooding
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
