September 2, 2021 – The City’s Emergency Management Department continues to coordinate the interagency response to historic citywide flooding that occurred in New York City beginning Wednesday, September 1. Several City agencies ― including the FDNY, NYPD, the Departments of Environmental Protection, Parks, Buildings, Transportation, the New York City Housing Authority, and Emergency Management ― continue to respond to hazards caused by the storm. The City is also working with partners like Con Edison and the American Red Cross in Greater New York to respond to affected communities throughout the five boroughs.

New York City experienced widespread flash flooding through Wednesday into early Thursday morning. According to the National Weather Service, Central Park broke its all-time 1-hour rainfall rate with 3.15 inches of rain recorded between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday. Central Park also received 7.19 inches of rain by Thursday morning, making it the fifth-largest daily rainfall in the past 150 years. It also marked the first time the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for New York City. New York City has declared a local state of emergency due to the weather.

Last night’s storm was unlike anything New York City has ever faced. Our City mourns the loss of at least 13 New Yorkers who tragically lost their lives during this storm. 

"New York City experienced some devastating effects from this storm, including damage to homes and loss of life," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani. "Our agencies and partners are working around the clock to make sure all New Yorkers have the resources they need to recover." 

• New Yorkers are encouraged to report damage to their property by calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or by accessing the Damage Assessment Tool online. The Damage Assessment Tool allows the City to immediately collect damage information from New Yorkers to assess the impact upon affected areas. (Note: Reporting damage with this form is for tracking purposes only. You will not be provided a confirmation number.)
• New Yorkers are advised to stay off the roads and avoid traveling as much as possible so responders can clear areas affected by flooding. Further, New Yorkers should expect continued delays and suspensions in MTA train service. Consider alternate routes and allow for additional travel time. If you must travel, New Yorkers are advised to exercise caution.
• If your car has been relocated, call 311.  
• New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

NYC DOT 

• New Yorkers are advised to stay off the roads and avoid traveling as much as possible so responders can clear areas affected by flooding 
• Alternate Side Parking is suspended through Wednesday, September 8.  
• Staten Island Ferry operating as normal. 
• Crews are clearing arterial highways and storm drains as needed. 

 

FDNY 

• FDNY conducted hundreds of rescues overnight, rescuing more than 500 New Yorkers from flooded roadways, buildings, and subway stations.
• FDNY members are continuing dewatering operations.
• FDNY is assisting with clearing downed trees and supporting other task forces as needed. 

 

• NYCHA has activated its emergency command center. 
• Staff are assessing damage, especially downed trees. 
• NYCHA continues to address complaints of water conditions inside apartments, especially in the South Bronx. 

• Maintenance and operation teams have been addressing storm impacts, and noted significant flooding at Van Cortlandt, Flushing-Meadows, and Prospect Parks. 
• There are closures and delayed openings of some outdoor pools, etc. 
• NYC Parks reports about 400 downed trees citywide. 

• The NYPD is surveying areas reporting the greatest effects from the storm, and is working with its aviation unit to canvas the city.
• The Department safely evacuated 714 straphangers during the storm. 
• The Department has 44 tow trucks operating with assistance from the State Police; there are stranded vehicles throughout the city that need to be removed. 

 

• Crews on the ground 24/7 to alleviate ponding and flooding, and are recording any sinkholes and fallen trees.
• Crews are providing drinking water and removing waste water.
• DEP’s customer service borough offices are currently closed due to Wednesday night’s storm. New Yorkers looking to get in touch with DEP’s customer service team online can use the following form: https://on.nyc.gov/3hUh5Ij. 

 

• There are approximately 27 teams in the field conducting inspections and are coordinating efforts with the City’s Damage Assessment Task Force.
• Crews are inspecting locations of fatalities. A number of them are being investigated as potential illegally-converted properties.  
• DOB Customer Service Windows are scheduled to reopen on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.

• The New York City Emergency Management Department activated the City’s Emergency Operations Center in response to the flash flooding event and continues to coordinate the interagency response on scene. City agencies continue to operate throughout the five boroughs, especially neighborhoods most impacted by flooding. 
• The agency continues to hold interagency calls with local, state, and federal agency partners, elected officials, as well as nonprofit and private-sector partners.

• Con Edison crews are responding and restoring power to any customers affected by outages. 
• There are multiple feeder contingencies throughout the electric system. They are not causing outages at this time.
• Voltage reductions have been made in some areas of the city to help conserve energy.
• Con Edison reminds communities to stay clear of downed wires and flooded structures.

• American Red Cross in Greater New York is providing temporary shelter for those affected by the storm.
• The organization is also providing health, emotional support and casework assistance to displaced residents.
• Additionally, Red Cross teams are assessing damage across NYC to identify additional households in need of help and to deliver flood cleanup supplies.

 

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