Flash flood warnings were issued in the Big Apple Saturday afternoon as heavy downpour forced ground stops and delays at the city’s airports.
The rain rolled through around noon, triggering flash flood alerts throughout the five boroughs.
Manhattan’s South Street Seaport district was turned into a swamp around 1 p.m.
A man attempting to take cover during the downpour in Midtown, Manhattan on July 18, 2026. Robert Miller for NY Post
Incredible video shows cars partially submerged in the water — and New Yorkers trudging through shin-high flooding.
The Long Island Expressway was washed out at 188th Street in Queens, forcing officials to shut down traffic in both directions.
“Severe thunderstorms are hitting across New York City, and much of the city is under a flood advisory. Don’t risk your safety in these dangerous conditions,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Officials warned those in low-lying areas to move to higher ground and out of basements.
Pea-sized hail was also mixed in with the rainfall, prompting a special weather alert for all boroughs except The Bronx.
All three major airports, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark, suspended flights because of the storms, with the FAA ordering flights to be grounded until at least 3 p.m.
The heavy rain rolled through around noon Saturday across New York City. Robert Miller for NY Post
Flights at LaGuardia were delayed up to four hours and climbing by 1 p.m.
The rain is expected to continue in bursts throughout the remainder of the day, with nearly 2.5 inches expected to be dumped across three hours in parts of the city.
The heaviest rain so far has fallen over lower Manhattan and western Brooklyn and Queens, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management.
NYC bicyclists seen battling heavy rain during their commute on Saturday. Robert Miller for NY Post
Cars driving through flood waters on a New York City street on Saturday. Pix11
“Flooding can develop in minutes, so do not wait for water to enter or for another alert before acting. Do not drive, walk, or swim through floodwater, including flooded roads, underpasses, and subway stations. Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” the agency warned.
“Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and 1 foot can sweep away a car. Floodwater can also hide open drains, downed lines, and other hazards.”
The storms also threatened strong gusts that could bring down trees.
The rain may contain soot, ash and other particulate matter that has been polluting the city’s skies for the past few days after wafting down from the Canadian wildfires.
The air quality hovered at “unhealthy” levels Saturday — but meteorologists say the heavy storm will help clear the air quality after dragging the smoke out of the sky.
Sunday is expected to be sunny with low humidity and cleaner air.