Flooding snarls traffic, strands drivers and renews drainage concerns
Video provided to News 12 by a viewer showed cars and trucks trapped in floodwaters after a torrential downpour.
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Heavy rain swept across southern Westchester on Tuesday, flooding roads, stranding motorists and prompting renewed calls from residents for long-term drainage improvements along the Bronx River.
The most dramatic flooding occurred on the Tarrytown Road underpass on the White Plains-Greenburgh border.
Video provided to News 12 by a viewer showed cars and trucks trapped in floodwaters after a torrential downpour. Within about an hour, the water had receded and traffic resumed. But shortly after 4 p.m., another round of heavy rain flooded the underpass again, leaving another driver stranded.
The driver, who declined to speak on camera, told News 12 she believed she could safely make it through the water before her vehicle became stuck. Emergency crews remained on scene as the floodwaters once again subsided.
Residents living nearby say the roadway flooding is part of a larger drainage problem that has plagued the area for years.
Tom Bock, who lives on Old Kensico Road, showed News 12 his flooded backyard and basement after Tuesday’s storms. He says recurring flooding has already damaged property in his home, including a water heater, and he fears additional losses.
Bock believes improvements are needed along the Bronx River, including removing bottlenecks and increasing the river’s capacity to handle heavy rainfall.
He and other neighbors also contend that the recently opened Chick-fil-A nearby has increased stormwater runoff because of additional paved surfaces, sending more water into surrounding neighborhoods. News 12 has not independently verified that claim.
The flooding also forced traffic off the Bronx River Parkway, creating backups on surrounding local roads.
Driver Cedric D. said he expected flooding in the area after seeing debris and water covering roadways during the storm.
Residents say they hope local and county officials will address longstanding drainage concerns before the next major storm brings another round of flooding.
