Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Rain Turns Long Island Into Soggy Gomorrah, Drenches Beaches With Sewage
By
Lauren Evans
Published Aug 14, 2014
Modified Jul 24, 2017
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 .
By
Lauren Evans
Published Aug 14, 2014
Modified Jul 24, 2017
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
Epic rains have caused some major problems for New York infrastructure, with torrential downpour on Long Island causing massive sinkholes, devouring family pets and poisoning beaches with untamed rivers of sewage.
The rains that left NYC only vaguely damp on Wednesday wreaked havoc upon Long Island, with record breaking rainfall overturning cars and contributing to at least one fatality, in which a driver on the Long Island Expressway near Melville smashed into a tractor-trailer and guardrail before his vehicle burst into flames.
In a Bayshore shopping plaza, the gaping maw of a giant sinkhole opened in the ground only seconds after a car passed over it.
A large, fluffy black Russian terrier named Yuri was also a casualty of the rains pummeling the area. The 120-pound pooch attempted to pause for a drink while on a walk with his owners in West Babylon, but his bulk proved no match for the pouring rain, and he was carried away in the rapids. A massive search effort ensued, and Yuri's body was recovered by a kayaker around two miles from where he went missing. His devastated owners cremated their pet shortly thereafter.
Area beaches were also soiled, with a total of 66 swimming spots in Suffolk County currently closed thanks to high bacteria levels, a result of swamped sewer systems sending its contents to mingle with the ocean. According to the Health Department, the deluge of filth should subside within 24 hours, but that's not soon enough for some visitors to Jones Beach. “I can’t even stand out on the beach and watch the waves. I’m a lot of upset after driving 4 hours to be here,” attempted beachgoer Scott Katen told CBS New York.
For a complete list of local beaches from which you can contract giardia, click here. There was an advisory for Coney Island's beaches earlier today, but apparently that's all cleared up and there's nothing at all to worry about!
Tagged
long island
rain
Sinkholes
weather
Lauren Evans
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
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 .