Heavy rainfall transformed streets across New York City into makeshift rivers on Thursday evening, leading to significant travel disruptions. Commuters in Queens and Brooklyn faced snarls as floodwaters rose rapidly, with some areas of Long Island reporting 2.87 inches of rain.
The Long Island Expressway experienced severe flooding, forcing its closure in both directions at Francis Lewis Boulevard around 7:30 p.m. Emergency responders were observed wading through knee-deep water on the freeway. Videos circulating online depicted drivers attempting to push stalled vehicles, with some individuals resorting to climbing onto the roofs of their cars to stay dry.
Drains in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood were overwhelmed by the sudden downpour. In neighboring New Jersey, a driver in Newark required rescue via a life raft due to the floodwaters.
A level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk had been issued for central and northern New Jersey and New York City for Thursday afternoon. Additionally, a tornado watch was in effect for over 15 million people across Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Virginia.
Early Friday, commuters experienced delays on A, C, and E subway services, though these issues were later resolved. 
