Flash Flooding and Severe Storms Hit New York City After Days of Smoke and Heat
New York City and surrounding areas experienced heavy thunderstorms and flash flooding on Saturday, July 18, 2026, following days of smoky skies and high temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, two to four inches of rain had fallen by early afternoon, with rainfall rates reaching up to one inch per hour. A flood watch remains in effect for all five boroughs, southern Westchester County, and northeast New Jersey until 2 a.m. Sunday. The heaviest rainfall was reported in lower Manhattan, western Brooklyn, and Queens. The storms caused significant disruptions, including flight delays at LaGuardia, Kennedy, and Newark airports, as well as road closures and subway service interruptions. The weather event coincides with ongoing poor air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke, which has blanketed the region in recent days.