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Overcast Rainstorm inundates Merrick-Bellmore
Meadowbrook Parkway shut down in areas owing to flooding
A massive storm dumped nearly 10 inches of rain on the Merrick-Bellmore area from Saturday night into Sunday afternoon, flooding the Meadowbrook Parkway and homes throughout the community. At the storm’s height, rain was falling at a rate of more than an inch an hour.
Sump-pump hoses and soaked furniture could be seen on curbs throughout the area. A number of motorists, attempting to navigate waterlogged streets, became stuck and had to be pulled out by firefighters, including volunteers from the Merrick Fire Department, which assisted several stranded motorists on the Meadowbrook. At press time, the Meadowbrook was open, according to News 12 Long Island.
Smith Pond in Central Merrick reportedly crested above its bulkheads, and water flowed straight into nearby homes. Homeowners told the Herald that they had not seen flooding like this in years, even decades. According to News 12, two months' worth of rain fell in a day.
Meteorologists were predicting continued heavy rains throughout the night from Sunday into Monday, and a flood watch remained in effect through Monday morning. The rains were expected to subside on Tuesday, with clear weather on Wednesday.
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
