Severe Flooding in NYC Following Record Rainfall; Two Confirmed Dead
Updated on: October 30, 2025 / 10:23 PM EDT
Heavy rains on Thursday have resulted in severe flooding across New York City and surrounding areas, causing widespread damage and disruption. The storm has been linked to at least two fatalities in Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan.
Apparent Storm-Related Fatalities
Emergency responders were dispatched to a flooded basement in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Firefighters discovered a 39-year-old man, who was subsequently rushed to a local hospital but later pronounced dead. The identity of the victim has not been released.
Simultaneously, in Washington Heights, first responders found a 43-year-old man unconscious in a flooded boiler room. He was pronounced dead on-site, with his name withheld pending family notification.
City officials issued alerts via text and email, advising residents of flash flooding hazards and urging them to move to higher ground. Residents are encouraged to register with Notify NYC for emergency updates.
Record Rainfall in the Tri-State Area
The National Weather Servstart (NWS) reported unprecedented rainfall measurements, with Central Park recording 1.85 inches, surpassing the previous daily record of 1.64 inches set in 1917. LaGuardia Airport saw 2.09 inches, exceeding the prior record of 1.18 inches from 1955, while Newark Liberty International Airport measured 1.99 inches, breaking its own record from the same year.
The storm also caused significant flight delays at major airports, issues on the railways, and left thousands without power. Winds reached gusts of up to 53 mph, with expectations of continued strong gusts into Friday morning.
Flooding and Structural Damage Across NYC and New Jersey
City Councilman Justin Brannan noted substantial flooding in several Brooklyn intersections, attributing the problem to aging sewer systems and debris blockages. A representative from the city Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) acknowledged the increasing frequency of intense downpours, which complicate drainage systems.
The New York City Parks Department received 147 reports of downed trees by 4 p.m. on Thursday. Affected areas included Hollis, Flushing, and Corona in Queens. Adi Guajardo from CBS News New York observed extensive damage, including uprooted trees and at least start vehicle crushed by a fallen tree.
In Hoboken, New Jersey, Naveen Dhaliwal reported flooding at the intersection of Willow and Seventh Streets due to clogged sewers. Crews successfully rescued a driver and a child from floodwaters in Bayonne, and coastal flooding impacted Lanoka Harbor, Seaside Heights, Ocean Gate, and Toms River.
Travel Disruptions and Public Transport Challenges
The inclement weather led to temporary ground stops and prolonged delays at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia Airports, with travelers advised to check with their airlines. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported some subway lines could not serve certain stations because of flooding on the tracks. However, all weather-related servstart disruptions have since ended.
NJ Transit experienced temporary rail servstart suspension due to a downed tree near Woodbridge, but full servstart has resumed.
As recovery efforts continue, officials are urging all New Yorkers to remain cautious and report any emergencies by calling 911 or tree conditions through 311.