Staten Island Businesses Clean Up After Severe Flash Flooding

Staten Island Flood Aftermath

• 🚗 Staten Island experienced severe flash flooding, leaving cars submerged and businesses struggling with cleanup.
• 🌊 Residents in Stapleton and other neighborhoods reported that rising flood waters are a recurring issue, with some losing multiple vehicles.

Business Impact and Damage

• 🏢 Store owners reopened to find significant flood damage inside their establishments.
• 💡 Runa Watkins, manager of Wiltax, described the awful smell from sewer and rainwater, noting the damage was less severe than during Hurricane Sandy but still substantial.

Infrastructure and Safety Concerns

• 🚧 Some residents expressed frustration with the city's sewer maintenance, suggesting poor upkeep contributes to the flooding.
• ⚠️ Emergency crews and rescues were active on Staten Island, with reports of cars getting stuck in the rising waters.
• ⚡ Two homes were struck by lightning, though fortunately, no one was reported injured in the Stapleton area.
• 🚫 A safety reminder was issued: never try to drive through standing water and remember the adage, "turn around, don't drown."