STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — During yesterday’s severe thunderstorm, heavy rainfall overwhelmed storm sewers along College Avenue in Westerleigh, causing swamped streets and submerged vehicles.
The ferocity of the storm prompted New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency for several New York counties, including Staten Island.
As stormwater sewers got backed up, floodwater accumulated near College and Crystal avenues. Four to five cars were trapped on the flooded road.
A video obtained from a resident (above) showed the storm’s rapid escalation, as water pooled into her vehicle and left her stranded.
Tow trucks arrived on the scene to remove the stranded cars.
“Yesterday’s sudden and intense rainstorm is a prime example of how our changing climate is bringing more extreme weather,” said a spokesperson for the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. “While some neighborhoods and roadways — including areas of Staten Island — experienced flooding, much of the city’s drainage system performed well, thanks to DEP’s prioritized maintenance work and targeted investments.”
The city’s sewer system was designed to handle 1.75 inches of rain per hour.
But yesterday’s storm blew past that capacity, with some areas of Staten Island, including Westerleigh, experiencing a total of 2.66 inches of rainfall.
“Prior to the storm, DEP crews inspected flood-prone areas to ensure drainage infrastructure was clear,” said the spokesperson. “During and after the storm, teams responded quickly to relieve street and highway flooding.”
Still, city officials are eying longer-term changes to deal with intense rain events, officials said.
“This intersection (at College and Collfield avenues) is located within our Clove Lakes Drainage Study, which is a priority for the agency,” said the spokesperson. “We are currently evaluating solutions for the area and will initiate new projects in the future.”
As for the effect of this storm on residents, Edward Chavez, who lives on College Avenue, said the water was up to his waist during the storm.
Several cars took on water, and residents at the intersection of Collfield and College avenues were seen using a water vacuum to remove water from their cars.
Some residents took to the streets to unclog the sewers. One photo showed resident Dan Dowd using a shovel to clean out a storm sewer.
Residents Kena and Todd Wohl, who are currently renovating their house, found that their storage pod was moved a couple of feet by the flood.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.