Torrential rains and subsequent flash floods wreaked havoc across the Northeast, causing a major road in Long Island, New York, to succumb to a giant sinkhole.
This catastrophic event presented a shocking visual of nature’s force as the tranquil Harbor Road in Stony Brook transformed dramatically.
Extensive Flooding Damage Reported
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico reported “catastrophic damage” on Harbor Road due to heavy rainfall that soaked parts of New York and Connecticut.
His post on Facebook highlighted “flooding across the north shore,” which caused “extensive damage to roadways and homes,” emphasizing the severity of the storm’s impact.
The Aftermath of Floods on Stony Brook
In Stony Brook, video footage captured water forcefully gushing from a pond into the broken road, along with debris floating near the surface.
This area, once known for its scenic beauty, now resembled a site of ruin, with fallen trees visible in the background.
Mill Pond’s Historic Washout
Dan Panico shared a significant historical context in his announcement, noting that “The entire Mill Pond at Avalon emptied across the now collapsed roadway.”
He added that the last occurrence of such a washout at Mill Pond was “over 100 years ago,” illustrating the rarity and severity of this event.
Ecological and Personal Losses
The floodwaters carried not only water but wildlife and the personal belongings of many local residents downstream.
Turtles, fish, and items from several flooded homes were caught in the flow, Panico explained, which contributed to the worsening flooding in other areas.
Financial Burden of Repairs
Panico estimated that the road and rehabilitation project resulting from the flood damage would cost upwards of $10 million.
This figure reflects the extensive nature of the repairs needed to restore the affected infrastructure and assist in the community’s recovery.
Emergency Actions Taken in Suffolk County
In response to the devastation, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County and signed a disaster declaration.
He described the situation as “a major catastrophe which was not expected,” indicating the sudden and severe nature of the event.
Commitment to Rebuilding
Despite the challenges, Ed Romaine expressed a strong commitment to recovery efforts, stating, “We will rebuild. We will clean this up. Whatever it takes. These are our communities. These are friends and neighbors. We are going to do what it takes to put this county back together again.”
His words demonstrated a promise to support and rebuild the affected communities.
Loss of Mill Pond
Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, lamented the extensive damage to Mill Pond, telling the New York Times that the flooding caused the pond’s dam to break, resulting in “nothing but a huge mud puddle now.”
This statement highlighted the significant impact on local heritage and natural resources.
University Affected by Flood
The unprecedented rainfall also impacted Stony Brook University, leading to the cancellation of student move-in plans as the campus dealt with the flood damage.
The university issued an emergency alert, noting the need to assess and address the flood impacts before normal activities could resume.
Overview of Flooding in the Region
Between Saturday night and Monday morning, over 10 inches of rain fell on parts of Long Island, as reported by the National Weather Service office in Uptown, New York.
The intense downpour resulted in flash floods that rapidly transformed roads into rivers, posing severe risks to residents.
Tragic Outcomes Amidst Rescues
In the town of Oxford, Connecticut, the flooding led to tragic consequences.
Two women were swept away by the rushing floodwaters while rescue crews attempted to save them. Their bodies were recovered on Monday, marking a somber moment amid the broader chaos and rescue efforts during the storm.
