NYC subway system floods after record rainfall
News | By Easton Martin | July 15, 2025
Late Monday night, parts of New York City were inundated after a massive downpour dropped roughly 2 to 2.5 inches of rain in just an hour, making it the city’s second-wettest hour on record.
The intense rainfall overwhelmed the sewer system, causing torrents of water to gush into stations like 28th Street and 34th Street Penn Station. Video footage captured commuters standing on seats to avoid rising water and drains overflowing onto platforms.
Service on multiple major subway lines including the 1, 2, 3, E, F, M, and R was suspended or severely delayed as crews pumped out an estimated 16 million gallons of water.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber confirmed that full service resumed Tuesday morning following overnight recovery efforts and that all lines, Metro-North, and LIRR were operating again.
Above-ground flooding also closed lanes on the Saw Mill River Parkway and Cross Bronx Expressway, while airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark experienced flight delays.
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency after heavy rainfall caused flash floods and a house collapse in North Plainfield, though no injuries were reported.
Experts warn that such intense, brief downpours are becoming more common amid climate change, pressing the need for improved stormwater infrastructure. The MTA and city are accelerating resilience efforts, including a recently announced $700 million investment to bolster drainage and protect critical transit arteries.
Photo: Unsplash
