This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
Storms Overwhelm City's Drainage System ¶
After a recent heatwave, New York City was hit by intense thunderstorms that overwhelmed parts of the drainage system, causing flooding in several neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service, Kennedy Airport in Queens received 3.5 inches of rain, the most in a single July day since 1996.
The downpour dumped 3 inches of rain on Staten Island and nearly that much in northwest Brooklyn, but the suburbs received even more rain, with West Nyack in Rockland County getting 3.8 inches and Syosset in Nassau County receiving 3.9 inches.
Experts say that a few inches of rain can quickly submerge a street if the drainage system is clogged, which is what happened in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg, Borough Park, and Gowanus.
Rebuild by Design, a nonprofit that focuses on large-scale infrastructure projects, was established in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which struck seven years ago.
“We’re entering a new era where we are going to see storm intensity rising,” said Rebuild’s managing director, Amy Chester.
Ms. Chester noted that the city’s sewage system was not built for the future it is about to embark on.
Is It Raining More? ¶
Before Monday’s deluge, New York City had gotten almost 33 inches of rain this year, five inches more than the annual average, according to the Weather Service.
So far this year, there have been 18 flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service office that covers New York City and parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
“A little more active,” said Melissa Di Spigna, a meteorologist.
Are We Prepared for Another Big Storm? ¶
Councilman Justin Brannan expressed concerns about the city’s preparedness for another major storm like Hurricane Sandy.
“If Superstorm Sandy hit N.Y.C. again tomorrow, would we be any more prepared than we were seven years ago?” he asked.
Mr. Brannan noted that the city has a lot of work to do to improve its infrastructure and prepare for future storms.
