New York governor declares state of emergency due to storm Ida

New York State governor, Kathy Hochul has declared her first state of emergency as remnants of Hurricane Ida hit the region on Thursday.

New York City and its surrounding areas were hit by heavy thunderstorms and flooding as Hurricane Ida was sweeping the northeast part of the United States.

Multiple buildings and subway stations were flooded as New York City reported more than three inches (76.2 mm) of rain within one hour.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “We’re enduring an historic weather event tonight with record-breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding and dangerous conditions on our roads.

“Due to a flooding condition, all southbound lanes of the Harlem River Drive are closed at West 166th Street in Manhattan.”

The National Weather Service issued its first-ever flash flood emergency alert for New York City, warning more than 9 million residents of imminent danger. The rain is still going on and is expected to continue until early Thursday morning in New York City.

Earlier, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul urged people to prepare for flooding conditions and practice caution in travel while directing various departments to get prepared.

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Kamila/Xinhua