Historic Flash Flooding from Ida Inundates the Northeast

2 Sep 2021, 7:30 pm

Catastrophic rainfall impacted much of the Northeast Wednesday into Thursday morning due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida, in addition to numerous strong tornadoes around the Chesapeake Bay up through New Jersey.

While the damaged caused by tornadoes was intense, the flash flooding may be some of the worst seen in New York City in modern history.

Correction: Central Park, NY has just observed 3.15 inches of rain in one hour, from 8:51 pm to 9:51 pm.

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 2, 2021

To be clear… this particular warning for NYC is the second time we've ever issued a Flash Flood Emergency (It's the first one for NYC). The first time we've issued a Flash Flood Emergency was for Northeast New Jersey a an hour ago. https://t.co/7k55jeXbpb

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) September 2, 2021

The National Weather Service in New York City issued its first ever flash flood emergency for the downtown area. Flash flood emergencies are reserved for dire and catastrophic flooding situations, which was unfortunately the case Wednesday night. Central Park recorded over 7 inches of rain with more than 3 inches of that coming down in under an hour. Residents were told to not drive into the city until after 5 AM ET Thursday.

Widespread rainfall totals across the region surpassed 6 inches, while a stripe of heavy rain put down more than 9 inches in multiple locations. All of the green dots represent flood reports.

Queens Boulevard in Maspeth/Corona is a literal river at the moment. Bus fully flooded driving through, multiple cars stuck in the water. Absolutely insane. pic.twitter.com/LuSL9uWCEl

— Joe English (@JoeEEnglish) September 2, 2021

Aside from numerous roads and vehicles being inundated with several feet or rain, flooding was reported in apartments as well as the subway system. This led to numerous deaths in the region.

Flooding downpours have turned streets into raging rivers in North Plainfield, New Jersey Wednesday evening! #NJwx #Ida #FlashFloodWarning #SevereWeather
Video Credit: @otislulumom pic.twitter.com/30bVWBufmG

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) September 2, 2021

Fortunately all of the rainfall associated with the remnants of Ida is finished. However, water levels continue to remain on the high side. See more in our story below:

Related Story: Major Flooding Continues On Northeast Rivers

Numerous tornadoes were confirmed from this event as well. The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ (responsible for the Philadelphia area forecasts) says at least 7 tornadoes touched down on Wednesday.

[7:06 PM] Storm survey team has completed an preliminary report on the Mullica Hill Tornado. The preliminary rating was an EF-3 with estimated maximum winds of 150 mph. Further information can be found at https://t.co/zxSz7xwAa3

— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) September 2, 2021

The American Red Cross has set up multiple shelter locations around the hardest hit locations. We encourage you to seek additional information regarding the shelter location and vacancy, as well as to consider making donations to reputable organizations which will assist the impacted residents/population.

We’ll continue to cover the clean up process and remnant issues behind the remnants of Ida. Tune in 10 past each hour for the latest forecast for the Eastern Reigon.

About the author

Steven Glazier

Summer of 1993, New England Dragway. That's when and where Steve knew he wanted to become a meteorologist. More than 20 years later he is extremely fortunate and blessed to be able to live his childhood dream. As a lover of math and science, Steve had a consistent interest in weather in elementary, middle, and high school before discovering you can major in meteorology. He attended Lyndon State Co... Load Morellege in Vermont where he received a bachelor's in meteorology-broadcasting and associate's in television news. He has worked as a meteorologist and reporter in Winchester, VA, Burlington, VT, and most recently in West Palm Beach, FL. He's recognized by the American Meteorological Society with the Certification of Broadcast Meteorologists.