29 Sep 2023 | 07:36 PM UTC
US: Severe weather causes major disruptions across parts of Northeast Sept. 29 /update 1
Severe weather causes major transport disruptions across parts of northeastern US Sept. 29, particularly in New York metropolitan area.
Event
Heavy rainfall and flooding have caused major transport disruptions across parts of the northeastern US Sept. 29. The disruptions are heaviest in the New York metropolitan area, where flooding, especially in Brooklyn, has made some roads impassable. The heavy rain and flooding have also heavily affected Amtrak train service in the New York area as well as service on the New York City Subway and Metro-North Railroad systems. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials have suspended all service on the B, G, and W subway lines, as well as the Franklin Avenue Shuttle in Brooklyn and the Rockaway Park Shuttle in Queens. Additionally, authorities have partially suspended service on the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, F, L, N, Q, and R lines. Significant delays have also been reported on other lines. In response to the heavy rainfall, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a state of emergency in New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island and asked state residents to "take all necessary precautions and avoid flooded roads."
The severe weather has caused flight disruptions at airports in the region, including at Newark Liberty International (EWR), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and LaGuardia (LGA) airports. Flight delays and cancellations are also possible at other airports in the Northeast.
Continued heavy rainfall is possible through at least early Sept. 30. Heavy downpours, large hail, high winds, and tornadoes may accompany severe thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds will likely cause property damage and power outages.
As of the afternoon of Sept. 29, the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued flash flood warnings for New York's Nassau and Westchester counties as well as Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The NWS also issued a flash flood warning for Hudson County, New Jersey. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours and days.
Floodwaters and debris flows may render additional bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; further freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that experience heavy rainfall and track inundation.
Localized business disruptions will likely occur in flood- or tornado-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
