Dozens of vehicles abandoned in Westchester after flash flooding on county parkways
ELMSFORD, New York (WABC) -- Flash flooding in Westchester County on Monday night led to a state of emergency in the Village Elmsford after heavy storms damaged homes and businesses.
Elmsford is near the Saw Mill River Parkway, which was inundated with water when the river alongside the parkway overflowed its banks. This led to flooding, which caused portions of the roadway to be shut down, leaving drivers stranded.
Some drivers were forced to make split-second decisions with the water rising around them.
Nearly 24 hours later, Paul Langlois said he was still shaken up after he had to bail out of his Honda during the storm. He said he was on his way home when he got caught in rapidly rising flood waters near the Bronx River Parkway in White Plains.
And he's not alone. Another motorist was stranded on the Taconic State Parkway, standing in waist-deep water.
His car was among the dozens of vehicles towed from the county's parkways during the flash flooding.
Other drivers were left frustrated during the Tuesday morning commute.
The standing water forced the closure of the road for the Tuesday morning rush, but the water had receded by 10 a.m.
However, some portions of the road still remained closed.
Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams said the decision to declare a state of emergency was necessary due to the heavy rain that caused damage to streets, homes and businesses.
The declaration allows emergency officials to take any steps necessary to protect life an property.
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