New York declares state of emergency after “historic” rain and “brutal flooding”

It comes after the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit NYC.

New York has declared a state of emergency after suffering "historic" rain and "brutal flooding". It comes as the remnants of Hurricane Ida reached NYC after pushing north across the east of the US causing massive damage and multiple deaths, having hit Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane at the weekend. Videos have circulated on Twitter of the hurricane's impact on New York, showing subway stations flooding, water pouring into people's homes and cars submerged on roads.

28th St & 7 Ave subway station (Chelsea, Manhattan) pic.twitter.com/2q4UQRIhm0

— Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) September 2, 2021

E 22nd St (Manhattan — filmer tweeted she's safe) pic.twitter.com/R7at2Ic7ow

— Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) September 2, 2021

Forrest Hill Rd & Richmond Av (New Springville, Staten Island) pic.twitter.com/mRCA4lrdD2

— Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) September 2, 2021

In a statement, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said: "I’m declaring a state of emergency in New York City tonight. "We’re enduring a historic weather event tonight with record-breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding and dangerous conditions on our roads." De Blasio urged people to stay off the streets and let first responders and emergency services get their work done. "If you’re thinking of going outside, don’t. Stay off the subways. Stay off the roads. Don’t drive into these heavy waters. Stay inside," he said. "We’re keeping our eyes on our power grid. We’ve seen about 5,300 customers without power. "We expect the rain to stop in the next few hours. But until then, again, if you’re not inside, get inside."

I’m declaring a state of emergency in New York City tonight.

We’re enduring an historic weather event tonight with record breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding and dangerous conditions on our roads. — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) September 2, 2021

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for the city, telling the public to move immediately to higher ground and to avoid walking or driving through flood waters.