New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated today, Saturday, that the heavy rains following a week of nearly continuous rainfall, which led to flooding in New York City yesterday, are consequences of climate change and likely represent a "new normal." She added in a speech, "Of course, we know this is due to climate change. This is unfortunately what we should expect to be the new normal."
Rainfall reached nearly 20 centimeters in some parts of the city, the most populous in the United States, enough for a sea lion at the Central Park Zoo to swim for a while outside its usual pool. Hochul warned of "life-threatening" flooding and declared a state of emergency in New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. She praised the response of the authorities and stated today that no reports of fatalities had been received despite the heavy rain. Officials advised some New Yorkers to avoid going out unless they are fleeing a flooded area. Hochul mentioned that the state of emergency, which allows for faster resource allocation to handle crises, would remain in effect for the next six days.
