Whatta Wet Wednesday!

A summer storm cell pounded the metropolitan area with thunder, lightning and heavy rains on Wednesday morning, July 18, leaving pedestrians soaked and motorists stranded. Con Edison reported approximately 2,400 customers without electricity, and LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy Airports experienced flight delays. Local roads, including the Grand Central and Cross Island Parkways, Long Island and Clearview Expressways, and even Francis Lewis (right) and Bell Boulevards turned into flooded parking lots causing extensive traffic delays. Mass transit all but came to a halt, as F, V, R and E subway lines had to be rerouted onto local tracks. Stretches of the Long Island Rail Road tracks were submerged delaying commuters trying to get to work.
- Tonia N. Cimino