Portions of major roadways were impassable at spots, including the Cross Island and Meadowbrook parkways, and the Long Island Expressway. Parts of the Northern State Parkway and Clearview Expressway were closed due to flooding. Vehicles on side roads were forced to either take detours, pull over or ford through the lake-like conditions.
A unidentified North Lynbrook resident, who was traveling north on the Meadowbrook attempting to pick up his children at camp, said "This is really a disaster." The southbound lanes were still closed as of noon on Wednesday.
The Long Island Power Authority reported close to 25,000 outages across Long Island. Metropolitan Transit Authority reports that service on the LIRR was suspended on the Hempstead branch due to flooding and high water conditions, but was restored by noon, with half-hour delays. The Port Washington, Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson and Oyster Bay branches were also temporarily suspended. Races were canceled at Belmont Park, as well as scheduled county press conferences and other events.
More rain and thunderstorms are expected through the weekend.
