Heavy rainfall in New York City led to flash flooding, causing disruptions and safety concerns
Some parts of the city received up to eight inches of rain, leading to ground-level apartments flooding and streets turning into small lakes
The Central Park Zoo's sea lion briefly escaped her pool enclosure due to the heavy rainfall
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley due to the "life-threatening" floods
The National Guard was deployed to assist in the emergency response in affected areas
The subway system and Metro North commuter rail service experienced major disruptions, with some lines suspended and stations closed
Intense rainfalls like this are becoming more common in the U.S., linked to global warming and extreme weather patterns
New York experienced one of its wettest Septembers on record, with the potential to approach the all-time high set in 1882
JFK International Airport saw its rainiest day since records began in 1948, according to preliminary data
Despite the weather warnings, New York City's public schools remained open, though some buildings experienced flooding, leading to early dismissals in some districts