Subway service was restored to limited service on all lines in Queens by midday Thursday, Sept. 2, except for the W, which remains the only suspended subway line in the borough in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
Thousands of MTA workers began pumping water out of flooded subway tunnels, removing debris including downed trees and vegetation and commuter rail tracks.
Governor Kathy Hochul spoke at a press briefing with city leaders in Jamaica and praised MTA workers for working through the night to restore subway service following catastrophic flooding.
“Where we have a vulnerability is in our streets, with the higher elevations now. With the flash floods, which are unknown before. This is the first time we’ve had a flash flood event of this proportion in the city of New York and in the outlying areas,” Hochul said. “We haven’t experienced this before, but we should expect it the next time,”
New York City buses are operating with near-normal service levels with some detours due to some road conditions. Access-A-Ride is operating but reporting delays due to heavy traffic conditions.
The de Blasio administration announced that alternate side parking regulations are suspended today to facilitate storm response. Payment at parking meters remains in effect across all five boroughs.
Flooded roads continue to cause sporadic closures and detours in some areas such as Queens Boulevard near the Queens Center mall.
City Councilman Robert Holden said his office is aware of several roadways that are flooded, including Cooper Avenue in Glendale, and are coordinating with NYC Water and NYC DOT to have them reopened.
The Port Authority reported minimal delays and cancelations Thursday at JFK International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, after dozens of flights were canceled overnight. Both airport roadways are clear or mostly clear after flooding receded overnight.
The Port Authority is advising passengers to contact their air carriers regarding flight status before heading to LaGuardia or JFK.
