How NYC is trying to keep NYers safe during the nor'easter

BROOKLYN – A woman was killed by a flying solar panel in Brooklyn on Sunday during the weekend Nor’Easter.

Officials say NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) inspectors were called to 3000 Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn to investigate reports of a partial collapse at a solar panel installation in an outdoor parking lot.

There, police found a 76-year-old woman unconscious and unresponsive. 

What they’re saying:

Inspectors say the detached panel was taken by the wind and blown approximately 20 feet away where it fatally struck a pedestrian at an adjacent walkway.

The woman has been identified as Lyudmila Braun, 76,  from Brooklyn. 

What we know:

Inspectors found that a 41″ x 87″ solar panel had become detached from the steel carport structure above the parking area.

The panel was apparently lifted by the wind and blown about 20 feet, striking and fatally injuring a pedestrian on a nearby walkway.

Local perspective:

Officials say the incident occurred near an entrance to the above-ground Ocean Parkway Q train station, which the MTA temporarily closed due to high winds.

The Department of Buildings issued a Partial Vacate Order for the parking area beneath the solar panels.

The department’s investigation is ongoing.

Storm Damage Across the Tri-State

The same powerful storm system brought down trees and power lines across the region.

In West Orange, New Jersey, live wires were reported down on Spring Hill Drive after a tree fell across a driveway.

In Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, crews responded to reports of a fallen tree, while in Queens, a large tree came down on 241st Street, damaging the roof of a house after falling from the highway side.

In Bloomfield, New Jersey, another tree struck a home on Orchard Street, though officials said there was no structural damage.

NYC Nor’Easter NYC prepares for Sunday's Nor'easter

The backstory:

The nor’easter impacting the tri-state area is bringing strong winds, heavy rain and the risk of significant coastal flooding to parts of Long Island and New York City through Monday morning.

In addition to the State of Emergency, a coastal flood warning and a wind advisory have been issued for Long Island, New York City and Southern Westchester counties through 8 p.m. on Monday. A high wind warning is currently in effect for Eastern Suffolk County, as well. 

New Jersey Transit also announced Sunday that service on the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) and the Atlantic City Rail Line (ACRL) will be impacted due to the heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding that’s expected through Monday evening. 

The Source: This report is based on information from Department of Buildings.

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