Emergency responders assisting stranded vehicles in flooded Queens after flash flooding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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