New York City Faces Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding After Days of Smoke and Heat
New York City and surrounding areas experienced severe thunderstorms and flash flooding following a period of heavy smoke and high temperatures. The National Weather Service reported that two to four inches of rain fell by early afternoon, with up to an inch per hour expected. A flood watch was issued for all five boroughs of New York City, southern Westchester County, and northeast New Jersey. The heaviest rainfall occurred in lower Manhattan, western Brooklyn, and Queens, prompting city officials to advise residents of basement apartments to move to higher floors. The storms caused significant disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations at LaGuardia, Kennedy, and Newark airports. In Newark, emergency services responded to vehicles trapped in floodwaters, successfully rescuing occupants without injuries. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned of potential power outages, downed trees, and road closures. 
