The recent heavy rain in New York City caused widespread frustration among residents dealing with flooded basements and property damage. Storm drains were overwhelmed by the pounding rain, resulting in severe flooding. One restaurant owner even mentioned that she would have had to swim through the street to reach her front door if she had attempted to go outside. The flooding was so bad that her outdoor dining structure was washed away. The storm affected everyone in the city, with disrupted subway lines and the suspension of Metro-North for hours out of Manhattan, making commuting difficult.
New Yorkers were advised to stay home during the storm, but even staying at home wasn’t safe for many residents living in basement apartments in Brooklyn. Sewer systems backed up, causing toilets and tubs to overflow, damaging property and leading to sanitation concerns. One resident described how the water came back into the basement through the main sewer line like a geyser. The flooding caused significant destruction, including the destruction of laptops, mattresses, and furniture. For one restaurant owner, the floodwaters reached over 3 feet, resulting in the loss of her outdoor dining structure and significant financial costs.
Criticism was directed towards Mayor Eric Adams for what was perceived as a lack of urgency before the storm. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams criticized the mayor for not providing timely updates and press conferences. However, Mayor Adams defended his administration’s actions, stating that notifications were sent out the day before the storm. The article concludes by highlighting the need for improvements in stormwater infrastructure and climate response in New York City.