The recent heavy rain in New York City resulted in frustration for residents dealing with flooded basements and property damage. Storm drains were unable to handle the intense rainfall, causing widespread flooding in various parts of the city. One restaurant owner even shared that the flooding was so severe that she would have had to swim through the street to reach her front door. The impact of the storm was felt by everyone, from commuters struggling to travel to and from work due to disrupted subway lines, to homeowners experiencing sewage backup in their basement apartments.
New Yorkers were advised to stay home, but even staying indoors did not guarantee safety for those living in basement apartments in Brooklyn. The sewer systems backed up, causing water to pour out of people’s toilets and tubs, damaging their belongings and creating sanitation concerns. One resident described how the water came back into the basement through the main sewer line “like a freakin’ geyser.” The flooding even destroyed outdoor dining structures, leaving business owners with significant financial losses. Despite the storm predictions, some criticized Mayor Eric Adams for a lack of urgency in alerting and updating residents about the approaching storm.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams expressed disappointment with the mayor’s response and called for faster action in improving stormwater infrastructure and climate response. While the storm did not cause any serious injuries, three people had to be rescued from basements, and 15 people were rescued from their flooded apartments. The aftermath of the storm left many individuals with significant property damage, with one restaurant owner estimating the cost of repairs to be around $30,000.