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