New York in State of Emergency as Ida Remnants Cause Floods

Multiple flash flood warnings have been issued throughout the state.

Multiple flash flood warnings have been issued throughout the state.

Early this morning, New York state was hit hard by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, taking the form of torrential rain. As the water accumulated, multiple roads and subways were completely flooded, grinding traffic to a halt.

“We’re enduring an historic weather event tonight with record breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding and dangerous conditions on our roads,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Twitter.

“We will have a tough few hours coming up until we get the rain out of here,” de Blasio told local station WCBS. “I have never seen this much rainfall this quickly. It is absolutely astounding … We are talking three inches, four inches in an hour. Unbelievable accumulation.”

Many people were stranded by the floods, requiring water rescues. The National Weather Service has advised all residents to remain in their homes and stay off the road until the flooding has subsided. “We are seeing way too many reports of water rescues and stranded motorists. Do not drive through flooded roadways. You do not know how deep the water is and it is too dangerous,” the weather service said.

As of current estimates, at least 9 New York residents are confirmed to be dead as a direct result of the flooding.