A Review of the Severity and Impact of Hurricane Ida-induced Flooding in New York City

Hurricane Ida was the most dominant hurricane of 2021, inflicting significant damage across the southern and northeastern United States. This event is notable for its considerable severity and socioeconomic impact, making it an essential reference for future flood management, particularly for urban environments. However, information regarding its impacts has yet to be systematically reviewed and remains fragmented across various reports and social media platforms. This study aims to investigate the severity of Ida based on rainfall records and flood damage reports. It also aims to investigate the damages by analyzing public reports and social media posts, specifically in New York City (NYC). Preliminary study indicates that Ida reached up to 150 mph wind speeds and recorded the highest rainfall intensity in NYC, measuring 3.47 inches per hour at Central Park. Furthermore, it delivered the largest rainfall amount reported for hurricanes in NYC since the 2000s, resulting in unprecedented damage throughout the city. A total of 4,703 claims have been filed in NYC, and fourteen individuals lost their lives due to inundation. Ground and underground traffic were severely disrupted because of flooding. More than ten train tracks and stations were inundated, leading to losses estimated at $54 million. Additionally, $300 million in funding was requested from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Corporation in NYC, with over one million residents experiencing power outages lasting for weeks. Many such impacts are studied and contextualized within the historical backdrop of New York City flood risk. This review provides a systematic understanding of Hurricane Ida and is meant to serve as a useful and handy reference for enhancing flood management strategies.