DeFalco describes weekend nor'easter impacts and DEP response
DeFalco details storm surge, high winds, and flooding in Jamaica Bay, Howard Beach, Staten Island, City Island, and Red Hook. She notes downed trees, the death of Mr. Brown, and DEP pumping and tree removal efforts.
We're here today to discuss the city's coastal resilience work and then the other legislation as well before the committee.
I'd like to begin by speaking about this past weekend's nor'easter.
The storm brought high winds, rain, and coastal storm surge, particularly in the communities surrounding Jamaica Bay, Hamilton and Howard Beach areas, and Staten Island's South Beach on City Island in my neighborhood of Red Hook.
Surging high tides overtopped the coastlines repeatedly over three days, inundating some low-lying communities.
Hundreds of trees were downed, primarily in Brooklyn and Queens.
And tragically, as you mentioned, Chair, we lost the life of a night maintenance worker, Mr.
Brown.
As tides receded, DEP crews responded across the city to pump out low-lying areas that could not drain naturally.
In partnership with New York City Emergency Management, we continued this response as the storm withdrew from the area on Monday.
It's important to understand that pumping only works once the tides go down.
Otherwise, whatever we've pumped out is just reflooded with the high tide.
DEP also responded to help with the removal of fallen trees.
Our forestry crews from upstate, from the watershed upstate, came down to the city to help Parks Department cut up and remove downed trees across streets and parks.
And while the storm brought significant damages from storm surge and high winds, the rainfall was moderate and steady, so we saw only very minor inland stormwater flooding.