Powerful thunderstorms swept across New York City on Thursday evening, bringing flash flooding, travel disruptions and scattered damage while prompting a tornado warning in parts of Queens as more than 2 inches of rain fell in several neighborhoods, according to ny1.com.
The storms affected all five boroughs, overwhelming roadways, snarling transportation and forcing temporary operational changes at area airports. LaGuardia Airport halted operations for several hours before reopening early Friday morning, though hundreds of flight disruptions were expected to continue. John F. Kennedy International Airport remained open during the storm but also experienced significant cancellations.
According to National Weather Service rainfall reports, some parts of the city received more than 2 inches of rain during the storm system. Central Park measured 2.31 inches of rainfall, while LaGuardia recorded 2.25 inches. Portions of the Bronx received slightly more than 2 inches, with nearly 2 inches also reported in parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn.
Weather conditions became particularly concerning in southeastern Queens, where the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning as severe storms moved through the region. Video recorded near Jamaica Bay appeared to show a waterspout extending upward from the water. Meteorologists planned to survey the area Friday to determine whether a tornado touched down, govonestop.com said.
The heaviest rainfall triggered flash flooding in several communities, including Hollis in eastern Queens. Water submerged portions of roadways near 183rd Street, once again raising concerns among residents who say the neighborhood has repeatedly endured damaging floods.
Some residents and community leaders renewed calls for a voluntary buyout program, arguing that long-term infrastructure and mitigation strategies are needed to address chronic flooding in the area. Local advocates said emergency agencies have been responsive during storm events but stressed that permanent solutions remain necessary.
Flooding was also reported in Manhattan’s transit system. Video shared online showed water flowing down stairways at the 137th Street station serving the 1 train line. Local officials pointed to the incident as another example of the need for continued investment in climate-resilient transportation infrastructure.
In Brooklyn, emergency crews responded after a tree fell along Jefferson Avenue in Bushwick. No injuries were immediately reported.
The severe weather came after forecasters warned that intense thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours, damaging winds and localized flash flooding throughout the evening commute. Weather officials had noted rainfall rates could approach 2 inches per hour in stronger storms, fox5ny.com reported.
Conditions were expected to improve Friday, with clouds gradually giving way to partial sunshine and temperatures reaching the upper 70s. Forecasters said the city should remain dry through the evening before the possibility of additional unsettled weather returns later in the weekend.
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