JFK Airport experienced a record-breaking deluge on Friday, with 7.97 inches of rain, marking a new daily record dating back to 1948, according to experts.
The Queens airport received a total of 8.48 inches of rain since the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia returned to the tri-state area on Thursday night, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Before this recent record, the rainiest day at JFK was on August 14, 2011, when 7.80 inches of rain fell.
During the same period, LaGuardia Airport in New York received 4.87 inches of rain, while Newark saw 1.77 inches, according to the NWS. Central Park recorded 5.85 inches, with Midtown Manhattan drenched in 6.16 inches.
The relentless downpour caused severe flooding in the subway system and turned streets into rivers, prompting officials to advise New Yorkers to stay home and avoid travel on Friday.
Valley Stream in Nassau County recorded the highest rainfall at 9.12 inches, but relief is in sight as the heavy rainfall is expected to subside by Saturday evening, with less than a quarter-inch of rain anticipated in the afternoon.
Sunday offers a welcome break from the persistent grey skies, with sunny conditions and temperatures in the mid-70s providing a pleasant end to the weekend.
Despite the challenging conditions, New Yorkers displayed their resilience, with many braving the storm during the morning rush hour.
Videos circulated online, showing cars navigating knee-deep water in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighbourhood and floodwaters infiltrating a city bus in Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst neighbourhood.
Major roads like the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the Belt Parkway, and Prospect Park Expressway also succumbed to flooding, resulting in bumper-to-bumper traffic and partially submerged vehicles.
Brooklyn and Queens bore the brunt of the storm, according to meteorologist Brian Mastro of Fox Weather.
In response to the flooding, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island, while Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency for the five boroughs and encouraged residents to remain home or seek shelter at work or in school.
“This is a dangerous condition and it’s not over,” he said.
In an attempt to find unconventional ways to deal with the situation, some people took to the streets to swim, dance, walk their dogs, and engage in various outlandish activities, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of the city.
One man was even filmed dancing in the knee-deep water dressed in a banana costume.
It comes after LaGuardia Airport, also located in Queens, was forced to close one of its terminals after travelers were confronted with ankle-deep water as flood water barreled through the building.
As of 1 pm, LaGuardia (LGA) was reporting 44 delays and 50 flight cancellations, according to Flight Aware, a website that monitors airport traffic.
On Friday, ground stops for both LGA and John F. Kennedy Aiport (JFK) were issued ground stops that have both been lifted.
Video taken inside LGA the airport showed a thick layer of water coating the floor by airline counters with travelers trudging through.
Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/ExpressUSNews
