Officials Look For Answers After Yesterday’s Storm

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

Governor Spitzer says the MTA needs to address "design problems" in the subway's drainage system that lead to the frequent floods on the tracks. Spitzer says this is the 3rd time in 7 months rain has overwhelmed the system. He's asking MTA CEO Lee Sander to prepare a report to suggest what can be done to avoid another system wide shut down.

BLOOMBERG: I've asked Lee and all the engineers at MTA to get back in a 30 day period to deal with drainage issue that clearly is one of a recurring nature.

REPORTER: Sander agreed to prepare the report. However he described the flooding as a 'perfect storm' underground. SANDER: The storm then hit right around high tide putting further pressure on our infrastructure finally the intensity of the storm brought torrential rain fall in a short period of time overwhelming both our pumps and the sewer system that is needed to accept and pump water.

REPORTER: Due to the millions of gallons of rain water running through the tunnels, every single subway line in the city experienced some sort of delay yesterday.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

One Refugee’s Journey Through ICE Detention

In 2025, ICE began detaining people at immigration hearings, an unprecedented step. The staff writer Jonathan Blitzer shares the story of one detainee whose life was turned upside down.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Black and Latino Leaders React to DSA Wins

Jeffery Mays talks about how Black and Latino political leaders feel as members of DSA have gained power in NYC.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Jewish elected leaders criticize Mamdani’s rhetoric after Upper West Side stabbings

Authorities charged the suspect, Raul Morales, with hate crimes on Friday.
Gothamist |

Cat Cohen's New Comedy Musical 'Broad Strokes'

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE