Photo by Miriam Quiñones
Heavy rain and severe weather on Thursday, July 8, as well as the arrival of Storm Elsa which ripped through the City on Friday, July 9, caused widespread havoc across the Bronx, causing streets and parks to be flooded on both days. An electrical fire also broke out at 206th Street subway station in Norwood, apparently as a result of emergency services responding to flooding.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
Early indicators of the extent of the heavy rainfall were posted to social media on Thursday, July 8, which showed people wading through waist-high water at 157th Street station in the Bronx, serving the 1 train, as reported by The Gothamist.
#ClimateCrisis https://t.co/HQoFRrK00z
— Maya Wiley (@mayawiley) July 8, 2021
Meanwhile, Breaking News Network (BNN) reported on Thursday at around 1.17 p.m. that there was “FDNY activity,” at E 205th Street and Bainbridge Avenue in Norwood. They reported that Battalion 27 was using two engines and two trucks to stretch “a line of standpipe in transit to extinguish a hydraulic oil fire in a pump room.”
Photo by David Greene
Norwood News contacted the FDNY for more information and a fire official responded, saying, “At 12.47 hours, units were assigned to the subway station at 205th St. & Bainbridge Ave to assist MTA personnel with an oil fire in the mechanical pump room. Four units were utilized during operations. No reports of any injuries. The FDNY closed the incident normally at 14.36 hours.”
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
According to those familiar with the mechanics of engineering, intense mechanical pumping in tunnels can sometimes ignite a fire.
We also reached out to the MTA to see if they had any further information. They did not have any immediate log of the incident. We will update this story upon receipt of any further details we receive.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Quaranta
The MTA also reported on a number of delays to regularly scheduled subway services following the storm and as a result of other incidents. Details of the delays are attached as screenshots.
Mosholu Parkway was also flooded and cordoned off at one point to prevent traffic from getting stuck, as was seen in other parts of the City over the course of Thursday. There were no reports of any local incidents by the NYPD.
Update: Following a prior closure, the Major Deegan Expressway has reopened at 233rd Street in The Bronx. Expect residual delays. Multilingual & ASL Link: https://t.co/HuA8o4rqF7.
— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) July 9, 2021
On Friday, the Bainbridge Avenue archway entrance to the Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood was flooded after Thursday’s heavy rain and storms. There seemed to be a small leak in the tunnel, according to eye witness reports. A representative at the Williamsbridge Oval Center confirmed there was also flooding inside but no damage.
A travel advisory remains in effect for New York City. New Yorkers are advised to exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking, and allow for additional travel time.
Follow @NotifyNYC for updates. #StaySafeNYC
— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) July 9, 2021
Meanwhile, the skate park in the Oval was almost completely submerged in water on Friday. Norwood News reached out to the Parks Department for any updates as to when the agency expects it might be cleared/pumped out.
Press officer, Dan Kastanis said, “We are working to clear the accumulated water at the Williamsbridge Oval Skatepark and have cordoned off the area for safety. We plan to have the flooding resolved within the next two days.”
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
One young man who declined to give his name and was walking his dog in the park on Friday said he walks his dog in the park all the time and that the water level was high. He said he does not use the skate park.
Another man who also did not wish to give his name agreed there was a lot of water. “It will be there for a while unless the Park people clean it up soon,” he said.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones.
Meanwhile, the main park was empty except for a few kids who said they didn’t mind playing in the wet grass.
Some downed tree branches were photographed in and around the Oval (including on the sidewalk). As noted previously by Norwood News, residents should be careful and keep a listen out for any overhead breaking branches which may occur after the fact, as has already happened in recent weeks following severe weather.
Image courtesy of Con Ed.
Con Edison wrote on Thursday that it was prepared to respond to any outages or other service problems that would occur as the remnants of Tropical Storm Elsa moved through the area Friday morning.
The company said it had secured 578 mutual aid crews to work on damage to the overhead system if the storm caused outages. Those workers will supplement the Con Edison overhead crews who will be restoring any affected customers.
Photo by David Greene
They warned that a storm with heavy winds can knock trees and branches onto overhead lines and cause customers to lose service.
Officials urged members of the public to stay away from downed wires, as they may be live. If you see downed wires, report them to your local police department or by calling 1-800-75-CONED. Do not touch downed wires with your hands or any object.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
The estimated time for the restoration of power following outages in The Bronx caused by the storm is 9 p.m. on Friday, July 9 according to Con Ed.
Source: Con Ed
By Sunday, July 11, one Bronx customer remained without power according to the company. There was no estimated time for restoration of the power as the company was still evaluating conditions.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Quaranta
New York City Emergency Management (EMS) had issued a travel advisory for Friday, July 9 until around noon. According to the National Weather Service, there was potential for more heavy rainfall and gusty winds that might reduce visibility and create hazardous travel due to Tropical Storm Elsa.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Quaranta
The National Weather Service had issued a Flash Flood Watch for New York City from midnight on Thursday until Friday at around noon. The heaviest rain was expected to begin around 2 a.m. on Friday and continue through mid-morning with a total of 2 to 3 inches expected. Gusty winds were also in the forecast with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 50 mph along the immediate coastline.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Quaranta
They said a few strong to severe thunderstorms were also possible prior to Elsa’s arrival and again on Friday afternoon after Elsa has passed. The National Weather Service also issued a high rip current warning. Anyone visiting beaches should stay out of the water.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Quaranta
NYC Emergency management commissioner, John Scrivani, said on Thursday, “New York City Emergency Management is in contact with the National Weather Service to prepare for the potential impacts from the heavy rain due to Tropical Storm Elsa.” He added, “The tropical storm has the potential to cause flooding, high winds, and damaged property as it moves over the City. New Yorkers must take time to prepare and take the appropriate precautions if they must move about the city during the storm.”
Heavy rain is creating hazardous travel conditions across the Tri-State as the core of #Elsa passes through the region over the next several hours.
Stay alert for flooded roadways and never drive through flood waters!
Share your storm reports with us by tagging @NWSNewYorkNY pic.twitter.com/D34qTbvJki
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 9, 2021
EMS officials said the agency was prepared for the effects of Tropical Storm Elsa, and will monitor the storm and rapidly respond to any potential impacts throughout the city. They said the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan is activated to help mitigate potential flash flooding and ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flood events that do occur.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Quaranta
The officials added that the agency works closely with NYPD, FDNY, the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the MTA to mitigate the impact of flash floods. New Yorkers are encouraged to report clogged catch basins and areas of standing water to 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).
As of Friday morning, AccuWeather reported that Storm Elsa was located 90 miles southwest of Montauk Point, New York. “The tropical storm’s maximum sustained winds were holding at 50 mph. Elsa was racing northeastward at 31 mph. AccuWeather
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Quaranta
- If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.
- If you have a disability or access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance.
- When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live.
- Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
Photo courtesy of NYC Fire Wire
- To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
- Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries.
- If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.
- Do not use generators indoors.
- Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
Photo courtesy of NYC Fire Wire
Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. To protect against the hazard of strong winds, New Yorkers should:
- Check the area immediately surrounding your home for unsecured objects or potentially dangerous conditions. Tree limbs, garbage cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind are potential projectiles aimed at your home or parked vehicle.
- Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.
- Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
- Close up and secure patio furniture.
- Secure retractable awnings.
- Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.
Photo courtesy of Jarrett Murphy
Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
Photo by David Greene. Photo by David Greene.
NY1 had reported on Saturday, July 10, that kids were swimming in the water-logged skate park in Williamsbridge Oval Park, despite confirmation from the Parks’ department that the area had been cordoned off for safety. Norwood News reached out to the Parks department for comment. By Sunday, July 11, the skate park had been drained.
Photo by Christopher Perkins
As reported by Norwood News, the skate park had been a lot time in the making since 2003, but was formally opened in 2018. Since then, it’s not the first time that the park has been flooded.
In photos taken on Dec. 2, 2020 the park was also flooded. Folks at the park said the fallen leaves get stuck in the drain and create flooding and it takes several days for the drains to be cleaned and the water to go down.
*David Greene contributed to this story.
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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.
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