New York City commuters faced chaos on Thursday morning as intense storms and heavy rainfall flooded several subway stations, halting trains and causing widespread delays across multiple lines. The flash floods, fueled by unpredictable weather patterns and changing climatic conditions, overwhelmed drainage systems and submerged parts of the underground network.
Video footage shared by commuters showed torrents of water cascading down stairways and pooling on platforms in stations across Brooklyn, Queens, and Lower Manhattan. Some trains were forced to stop between stations as Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) crews scrambled to pump out water and restore service.
In a statement, the MTA confirmed that multiple lines were affected, including the A, F, and 2 trains, urging passengers to expect significant delays. “Our teams are working around the clock to clear water and restore safe service,” the agency said. “We appreciate New Yorkers’ patience as we respond to this severe weather event.”
Meteorologists attributed the flooding to a sudden burst of heavy rain—more than two inches falling within an hour in parts of the city—compounded by aging infrastructure not equipped to handle such extreme rainfall. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings throughout the day, advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to steer clear of flooded areas.
Commuters described chaotic scenes during the morning rush. “Water was pouring into the station like a waterfall,” said Daniel Ruiz, a Brooklyn resident. “People were wading through ankle-deep water trying to reach the exits.”
City officials acknowledged the increasing frequency of such floods as a sign of climate-related stress on urban systems. Mayor Eric Adams reiterated the city’s commitment to upgrading stormwater management infrastructure, calling the floods “a wake-up call” for accelerated climate resilience efforts.
As cleanup efforts continue, the MTA has warned that full service restoration may take several hours, with potential residual delays into the evening.
