Floods Cause Over 500 Cancelations at NYC Area Airports

Traveling in and out of NYC and surrounding areas, or even a simple commute, will be a big headache today. Hundreds of flights and trains were canceled this morning as Ida lingered over New York City Wednesday evening and into the night. Subway have heavy delays as well. The deadly floods have also claimed at least 14 lives, besides the damage inflicted in the area.

The Federal Aviation Administration advised travelers to be aware of the situation on Thursday. “Flooding continues to affect parts of the Northeast and New England today. Remember to check with your airline for your flight status before leaving home. Do not drive through flooded roadways,” the FAA said on Twitter. Driving around this morning, I noticed over ten cars abandoned along the way, where flash floods normally occur. Several cars were lined up along the shoulder on the BQE in Brooklyn.

As for airports, Newark Liberty International seems to have been hit the hardest. One of the terminals at EWR was completely flooded on the bottom floor on Wednesday night.

This is just unreal. Flooding INSIDE @EWRairport (credit: Kimberly Mairs). @DaveCurren @News12NJ @News12Weather @MichelePowersWx pic.twitter.com/iiwHa0WqLp

— News 12 NJ NewsDesk (@News12NJDesk) September 2, 2021

Flooding also reached the baggage room, according to videos posted on social media.

Not what the baggage room at Newark Liberty International Airport is supposed to look like. Flooding right now as Ida’s remnants move through the northeast. pic.twitter.com/fu70elSrhy

— Gio Benitez (@GioBenitez) September 2, 2021

Nearly 400 flights were canceled Thursday at EWR alone. JFK and LGA had just over 110 canceled flights together. JFK did not experience any flooding during the storm and LaGuardia Airport had minimal flooding USA Today reports.

Even if your flight is not cancelled, make sure to give yourself a lot of extra time if you are heading to any of the area’s airports. Many streets are still flooded, and traffic will be heavier than usual. Rideshare prices have also skyrocketed in some areas.