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Transportation

Why New York’s Subway Keeps Flooding

Flooding from Ida overwhelmed the largest transit system in the U.S. — a problem that cities will continue to face as climate change brings more extreme rainfall.

Commuters walk into a flooded 3rd Avenue subway station on September 2, 2021. 

Commuters walk into a flooded 3rd Avenue subway station on September 2, 2021. 

Photographer: David Dee Delgado/Getty Images North America
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On Aug. 21, a record was set in New York City for its largest single-hour rainfall: Almost 2 inches fell in Central Park between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Eleven days later, the record was shattered.