Event Summary

A cluster of heavy thunderstorms produced torrential rain that resulted in widespread and significant flash flooding across the region. Maximum 1 hour rainfall rates were estimated at 2 to 3 inches. The storm total rainfall for this event ranged from around 3 to 6 inches. Nassau Community College measured 5.18 inches. Other amounts included 4.20 inches in Holtsville and 3.35 inches in Fresh Meadows. Thunderstorms produced many frequent and intense lightning strikes that resulted in more than 20,000 customers without power across portions of Long Island, as reported by the Long Island Power Authority. A severe thunderstorm produced an EF1 tornado in East Islip Terrace. Flash flooding closed portions of the FDR Drive at 106th Street and 78th Street. Flash flooding occurred along portions of the Long Island Expressway at Exit 18, Maurice Avenue and at Northern Blvd. on the Cross Island Parkway. Flash flooding occurred along portions of the Gowanus Expressway near I-278, Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Flash flooding of the Clearview Expressway occurred at 35th Avenue. Flash flooding resulted in a road closure at 188th Street along the Long Island Expressway. The Long Island Railroad Station in Bayside was flooded. The Cross Island Parkway flooded at the Throgs Neck Bridge. Flash flooding was reported along the east bound portion of the Belt Parkway near the Mill Basin Draw Bridge.