Flooding closes stretch of Palisades Parkway

Torrential flooding caused a stretch of the usually busy Palisades Parkway to be near deserted Monday.
The state Department of Transportation closed a two-mile stretch of the parkway northbound at exit 19 to Bear Mountain Circle. Officials blame heavy rainfall Sunday night.
"The downpour washed a lot of debris off the mountain," said DOT Assistant Engineer Jim Murwaski. "The water's overflowing onto the roadway." The rainfall also forced boulders on top of drains.
Traffic is being diverted along Seven Lakes Drive. According to the DOT, the road could reopen on Christmas, but officials added that more than likely drivers will have to wait until Dec. 26.