Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Photos: Yesterday Was NYC's 10th Rainiest Day EVER
By
Jen Chung
Published May 1, 2014
Modified May 1, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 6
By
Jen Chung
Published May 1, 2014
Modified May 1, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yesterday's torrential downpour saw 4.97" of rain recorded in Central Park. According to the National Weather Service, that made it the "10th highest daily total ever recorded there. (Record: 8.28" from 9/23/1882)."
As of 6:14 a.m., the NWS recorded 5.12" of rain in Central Park; many areas outside of the city got around five inches of rain as well—5.43" was recorded at JFK Airport and 5.36" at Newark Airport. NBC New York adds, "Forecasters said another 1 to 2 inches were possible before the storm system finally leaves the region on Thursday morning."
The rain caused lots of flooding, so many major roadways were closed. The 106th NYPD Precinct in Queens Tweeted a photograph of a submerged car, "We're hip deep in it! The worst flooded #106Pct #Lindenwood location: 78 St bet 155 Av and 156 Av. We need waders!"
WABC 7 reports, "In the Lindenwood section of Howard Beach, Queens, dozens of basements were flooded due to a combination of the heavy rains and sewer problems. Some first-floor apartments also flooded as residents pumped out their homes. About 10 blocks and 100 homes were affected. Residents believe sludge and debris left behind by Superstorm Sandy may still be clogging local drains."
Rivers peaked in NJ, which saw some areas with 6 inches of rain. A driver in NJ was stuck in the water and later told ABC 7, "Black smoke was coming from the tail pipe." He recalled thinking, "I'm too young to die. Please someone help me."
And up in Yonkers, part of a retaining wall by the Metro-North tracks collapsed, causing a mudslide onto the tracks. MTA workers have been trying to clear the mud, but commuters on the Hudson Line "should anticipate delays of up to 30 minutes in both directions."
Florida has experienced record-breaking rain ("5.68 inches in a single hour" in Pensacola, 24 inches in a day)—Slate's Eric Holthaus explained how it's connected to climate change: "The science is here is relatively straightforward: As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more water vapor. You can see this effect for yourself on muggy summer days when droplets of condensation form on the windows of air-conditioned buildings. There’s now more moisture available that can turn into rain. Warmer days lead to more evaporation, and more evaporation leads to heavier rainfall."
Tagged
Central Park rainfall
climate change
downpour
rain
weather
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .