Weather Update
Flooding Reported in Brooklyn, Flash Flood Warnings for Flatbush
According to NY Actions on X: Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for New York City. Severe flooding is impacting traffic and transit. Residents should avoid flooded areas.
As of this afternoon (around 3-4 PM EDT), Brooklyn is experiencing significant flash flooding due to a fast-moving storm bringing 1-2 inches of rain in short bursts, with some areas seeing heavier downpours.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Brooklyn (including Flatbush, Crown Heights, and other parts), Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan until 5:30 PM EDT. This means life-threatening flash flooding is either occurring or imminent, with radar showing a squall line of intense rain bands moving through the area. A Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect for Brooklyn's shorelines (including parts of Williamsburg near the East River) until 5:00 PM, expecting 1-2 feet of inundation above ground level on low-lying roads and properties.
Key Impacts by Neighborhood:
Flatbush (and East Flatbush):
Heavy street flooding is widespread, with reports of 6-12 inches of water in some spots. The 2 and 5 subway lines are severely delayed or suspended due to signal issues and water on tracks. Residents are posting about impassable roads and advising against travel—e.g., "The whole of Flatbush & East Flatbush is flooded right now. If you take the 2 & 5 FORGET ABOUT IT."
NWS alerts specifically name Flatbush as a high-risk area for flash flooding.
Williamsburg: Less severe than Flatbush so far, but coastal effects are amplifying issues near the waterfront. Expect minor flooding on streets like Bedford Avenue and near the Williamsburg Bridge, with possible backups into basements from overwhelmed sewers. The advisory warns of shore road inundation, and winds up to 50 mph could worsen runoff.
Nearby areas like Greenpoint reported similar problems in past storms, but real-time posts show water pooling at intersections.
Borough Park (Boro Park):
Specific reports are lighter here compared to central Brooklyn, but it's included in the broader Brooklyn warning. Low-lying streets in southern Brooklyn (near Ocean Parkway) could see 4-8 inches of water, especially if the squall line stalls. No major incidents posted yet, but monitor for subway disruptions on the F/G lines.
Broader NYC Context:
Rain Totals & Storm Details: 1-2 inches expected overall, but brief heavy bursts (up to 2 inches/hour) are causing the flash issues. Winds: 30-40 mph gusts, with a Gale Warning offshore.
This isn't as bad as the 2023 Ida remnants (7+ inches), but it's scrambling commutes—e.g., Jackie Robinson Parkway is flooded.
Transportation: Subways (2/3/4/5/A/C/F/G) delayed; avoid driving—turn around, don't drown. Buses rerouted; flights at JFK/LGA grounded briefly.
Safety Tips: Move to higher ground if in a basement; avoid flooded roads (even 6 inches can sweep a car). Check Notify NYC for updates.
Power outages possible in flood-prone spots like East Flatbush.
This is developing fast—conditions could ease after 5:30 PM as the warning.