Residents of the Bayside neighborhood in Queens are still recovering from severe flooding caused by a heavy downpour on Thursday night. Many experienced a sudden surge of rain, with some areas accumulating between one to three inches, and certain parts of Queens and Nassau County receiving over three inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Local resident Matt Dibiase described the scene, noting how rapidly the water levels rose. Some homes faced extensive flooding, with reports of water levels reaching waist-deep in certain areas. Vanessa Siaba shared her experience on 43rd Avenue, where vehicles were submerged, including a minivan and another car that were reportedly floating due to the flooded conditions. A backed-up sewer exacerbated the situation, contributing to the flooding in the neighborhood.
City officials indicated that the Clearview Expressway and Northern Boulevard were significantly affected, as they also accumulated substantial amounts of water. For many homeowners, the aftermath meant dealing with damaged property, including flooded basements and lost appliances.
Governor Kathy Hochul, joined by MTA Chair Janno Lieber, addressed the flooding’s impact, noting the recent challenges facing the subway system due to both extreme heat and heavy rain. Despite these conditions, Lieber mentioned that the transit system managed to bounce back effectively, with full service restored for the Port Washington line of the Long Island Rail Road.
This year has brought significant weather challenges, with Governor Hochul noting she has issued six emergency declarations in just the first half of 2023. While communities may be adjusting to the reality of extreme weather events becoming more common, residents like Dibiase and Siaba expressed that Thursday’s flooding was unprecedented in their experience of the area.
While the roads and transit conditions have mostly returned to normal, this event emphasizes the ongoing need for effective infrastructure improvements in flood-prone areas, highlighting the challenges that extreme weather poses to urban planning and community resilience.