The remnants of Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on New York City on Wednesday night and the early hours of Thursday, causing massive flooding and at least nine deaths in the metropolitan area, which includes New Jersey.
The storm left a large swath of destruction across several states, leaving more than 200,000 homes in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania without power by Thursday morning. Some of the worst damage occurred in New York City. Flooding caused mass transit shutdowns, especially in water-filled subway stations, and many motorists were stranded on the roads.

The National Weather Service issued its first-ever flash flood emergency for New York City, and Central Park set a record with nearly 7 inches of rain on Wednesday.
New York's Fire Department rescued hundreds of people from flooded roadways and subways. Emergency workers continued rescue efforts on Thursday, and authorities have warned about finding more victims during their searches.
More than half a foot of rain fell on the area in the short span of a few hours, but many people in New York City woke up to sunny skies on Thursday. However, the flooded streets and wrecked homes told a different story about the night before.
Below are some of the dramatic images and videos from New York City, many of which were captured by residents.
Flash floods triggered by torrential rains left subway stations underwater in New York City pic.twitter.com/Fq7cGHuxQc
— TRT World (@trtworld) September 2, 2021
As indicated by the sheer amount of footage shared on social media, the city's subways were hit hard. Service on most subway lines was still completely or partially suspended on Thursday morning.
Waterfall down the stairs at 145th Street station, 1 Train, in #Manhattan, NYC. Flash #flood warnings are in effect until 11:30 pm. pic.twitter.com/pPAjeH9KIo
— NTD News (@news_ntd) September 2, 2021

The mass transit systems and driving in New York were so bad that a travel ban was implemented in the city until 5 a.m. ET, according to an emergency alert sent by Notify NYC.
This is what happens when you have a neglected 100+ year old subway system and throw in a flash flood emergency. pic.twitter.com/rzYWunp05B
— Rebecca Katz (@RebeccaKKatz) September 2, 2021
Many streets resembled waterways more than driving routes.
Bushwick floods.
— thisbushwicklife (@BushwickLife) September 2, 2021
Knickerbocker Avenue.
Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/055vYjSgCK
The flooding didn't just occur in the city's streets and subways, as apartments throughout the five boroughs were hit.
🚨#BREAKING Shocking video shows flood waters ripping through apartments in New York City
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) September 2, 2021
📌#Manhattan I #NYC
Reports of catastrophic flash flooding happening across in New Jersey and New York City as millions of people brace for this devastating floods pic.twitter.com/0Y2170sgKo
NYC Floods 🚨 Multiple homes flooded in New York City. This one's in Brooklyn
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 2, 2021
pic.twitter.com/yxnhT9trAS
WCBS-TV in New York captured a startling shot of a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus that came to a stop after getting partially submerged in water on Staten Island.
#CommuterAlert: MTA service limited after flood waters fill subways and buses. @AClineThomas has the latest. https://t.co/Mwslv9fD7w
— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) September 2, 2021

Hundred of flights were canceled at the metropolitan area's airports.
Newark Liberty International airport canceled hundreds of flights on Thursday as the travel hub dealt with flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, which tore through the region overnight killing at least 9 people in NYC and NJ.https://t.co/6lXQuPaEAl
— Will Feuer (@WillFOIA) September 2, 2021
New York Governor Kathy Hochul spoke about the storm's aftermath in New York City.
"This has been absolutely stunning on a scale—people were just caught off guard and so shocked," Hochul told CNN. "The residents who thought they would safely be able to go down to their basements or take the trains that all of a sudden just—this absolutely unprecedented storm event changed everything. And New York City literally has been paralyzed."
New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio tweetedabout the tragic news of lost lives. He wrote: "Our hearts ache for the lives lost in last night's storm. Please keep them and their loved ones in your thoughts today. They were our fellow New Yorkers and to their families, your city will be there for you in the days ahead."
Our hearts ache for the lives lost in last night's storm. Please keep them and their loved ones in your thoughts today.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) September 2, 2021
They were our fellow New Yorkers and to their families, your city will be their for you in the days ahead.