New York flooded by heavy rains, subway partly paralysed

Heavy rains in New York City caused flooding, paralysing subways and airports. Mayor Adams urged people to stay home, while shopkeepers tried to protect merchandise. The subway system was hit hard, with several lines closed. Climate change is accelerating faster than the city can respond. Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency, with warnings of up to 7" of rain. Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to move to higher ground. The subway is essential for many children to get to school, so it must be restored.

Heavy rains overnight in the northeastern United States left parts of New York City underwater on Friday, partially paralysing subways and airports in the country's financial capital.

LaGuardia airport closed down one of its terminals, with social media images showing passengers walking through water well above the tops of their shoes.

New York Mayor Eric Adams urged people to not venture out because the streets were blocked and subway stations flooded.

"If you are home, stay home. If you are at work or school, shelter in place for now, some of our subways are flooded and it's extremely difficult to move around the city," he said.

Images from around New York showed cars half-submerged and traffic snarled, with some major roads completely blocked.

Shopkeepers in flooded stores were trying to protect merchandise and push the water back into the streets.

The massive New York subway system was also hit by the flooding, with several lines closed in Brooklyn.