Uniondale hit by ‘significant precipitation event’

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called a state of emergency for Long Island, the five boroughs, and the Hudson Valley as recent record-breaking rainfall flooded homes, streets and left cars stuck floating in the streets.

More than a half-foot of rain-soaked parts of Nassau County, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, making Sept. 29 the wettest day on record in many areas.

“With the heavy rain this weekend across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, we’re keeping a close eye on potential flash flooding,” Hochul said in a news release. “I’m directing state agencies to prepare response assets and be ready to assist our partners at the local level if they need support. I encourage anyone expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours to stay vigilant, keep a close eye on the forecast, and heed any emergency orders from officials if necessary.”

An emergency order is a directive from the government in response to various emergency situations that they deem pose a threat to life, safety, or property. These orders have the same force and effect as written and established law for the time being and include a variety of instructions such as evacuation orders, shelter-in-place orders, and road closures.

A flood watch was also issued for the entire county on Friday, Sept. 29 and remained in effect through Sunday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. The New York National Weather Service, NWS, forecasted 3-5 inches of rain with localized amounts greater than 5-7 inches. With the ground already saturated from the previous weekend’s rainy weather, the threat of flash flooding across the area was even greater and an additional issue the County had to account for.

“We are now in a significant precipitation event here in Nassau County and throughout the metropolitan region,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman at a news conference Friday morning. “There has been precipitation amounting to over three inches so far, that's a significant amount of rain — There is estimated to be anywhere between another inch and another three inches. If it's another inch of rain, it shouldn't be a big problem, but if it's three inches of rain, it is going to cause additional flooding.”

The New York National Weather Service twitter page made an announcement warning drivers not to attempt to drive through flooded roads and adopted the motto, “Turn Around Don’t Drown.” They also wanted to spread awareness that 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult, while 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a small car and urged those who are forced to on the road, to proceed with caution.

“We want people to be patient, it may take you a little longer to get home. Our streets are starting to pond and there is some flooding, especially in the low-lying areas — “we want to caution people not to drive through a large pond of water in the roadway,” said County Executive Blakeman on Friday morning. “Use common sense, if you don't have to go out then don't go out. If you're driving and you see water ponding, make sure you do not drive your car through it because it can get stuck.”

Although the conditions outside were harsh, Blakeman reassured residents that they have the situation under control, they have available the necessary resources from the state, and that there will not be an additional state of emergency issued at the county level. “I am not declaring a state of emergency at this time, it is not necessary — the governor's actions are enough.”

But residents, like Malik Leid, who live in a basement apartment feel that they are left figuring out how to navigate the remnants of this storm that has left damages to his home.

“My apartment floods often when it rains, but the way it was coming down on Friday is crazy,” said Leid. He explained that he had to constantly clear out the water in his apartment, saying he had to do so nearly every five minutes due to the massive amounts pouring in.

Both Hempstead and Uniondale, areas that usually don’t experience extreme flooding, were highlighted for flash flood warnings throughout the weekend. Other neighborhoods with such warnings included Freeport, Valley Stream, Long Beach, Glen Cove, Lynbrook, Woodmere, Rockaway and Oyster Bay.

“Just like everything else, we got to figure it out on our own. They don’t care what happens to us out here,” said Leid. Some legislators, however, want residents like Leid to know they are fighting for them, and they do in fact have options.

“The County must dedicate significant resources in its forthcoming Capital plan toward completing necessary infrastructure investments which will give our residents the level of safety and peace of mind that they deserve,” said Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages in a statement on Monday afternoon.

“With climate change causing more frequent and increasingly severe weather events, it will sadly not be the last,” Solages concluded.

The legislator's office is urging any resident who believes that they may have a claim against Nassau County related to Friday’s storm should file a “Notice of Claim” within 90 days at tinyurl.com/yp8t765t