MTA steps up flood protections after storm soaks NYC subways
Recent heavy rain flooded streets across Brooklyn and sent water pouring into subway stations.
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Recent heavy rain flooded streets across Brooklyn and sent water pouring into subway stations, creating a difficult and, for some riders, frightening commute.
Videos from the storm show water rushing through parts of the subway system. Brooklyn commuter Julio said the flooding quickly became overwhelming.
“I thought I was going to drown because the water reached my knees. It was a horrible experience,” he said.
With more rain expected, city and transit officials say they are working to reduce the risk of similar flooding.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection says it is working closely with the MTA to identify subway stations that are especially vulnerable to flooding and find ways to make them more resilient.
The MTA says crews also prepare ahead of heavy rain with flood-fighting equipment positioned throughout the system. When water does get inside, crews rely on pumps and other equipment to remove it as quickly as possible.
“We're prepared to keep the water out of the system. And if it does get in, make sure that we're pumping it out very quickly,” said Bill Amarosa Jr., MTA executive vice president of subways
Transit officials say those measures are part of the MTA’s preparation for future storms, with crews and equipment ready to respond when heavy rain threatens the subway system.
For riders who have already experienced severe flooding underground, improvements cannot come soon enough.
Still, Julio said he believes conditions can improve.
“The system gets better through time,” he said.
