Some describe it as a historic weather event, while others call it a “thousand-year” storm. On August 18-19, 2024, Long Island, especially the North Shore of Suffolk County, experienced intense rainfall, leaving residents and businesses grappling with its scale and impact.
The record-breaking rainfall caused widespread flooding, leading to road closures and extensive property damage to homes and businesses. The dams at Stump Pond in Smithtown and Mill Pond in Stony Brook were breached, resulting in significant infrastructure damage and the draining of the local ponds. In response to the severity of the situation, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency and mobilized state resources to aid in the recovery efforts. President Biden approved the emergency declaration two days later. This secures federal disaster assistance to help people recover from storm damage and flooding.
The aftermath of a severe storm like this can be overwhelming for property owners and community members. Floodwaters have caused extensive damage to many homes and businesses, and many people’s primary question is whether this damage is covered by insurance.
Does Insurance Cover Storm Damage From Flooding?
It’s critical to understand that standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage from flooding. That is where flood insurance, administered through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), plays a vital role. However, it’s worth noting that specific scenarios, such as groundwater seepage into a basement, may not be covered even with flood insurance. Knowing these specifics can help you make well-informed decisions and better prepare for future events.
In some high-risk regions of Long Island, homeowners must buy flood insurance as mandated by their mortgage lenders. Yet, recent data from Newsday shows that in several northern Suffolk County communities, such as Stony Brook, only a few homeowners have purchased flood insurance as of 2022.
Torrential Rain Causes Catastrophic Flooding on Long Island
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), parts of Long Island received up to 10 inches of rain between Saturday night and Monday morning, August 17-19. Sound Beach, Miller Place, Port Jefferson Station, Stony Brook, Centereach, and Setauket-East Setauket were some of the hardest hit areas. NBC News notes that such an event only occurs once every 1,000 years.
Flash floods turned roadways into waterways. Just after midnight on August 19, NWS New York posted that multiple water rescues were ongoing in portions of Nesconset, Ronkonkoma, Smithtown, and St. James. It warned residents not to drive through flooded roads.
In Stony Brook, nearly 10 inches of rain led to the collapse of part of Harbor Road, pushing water from Mill Pond into the Long Island Sound for the first time since 1910. Stony Brook University postponed its move-in day after the storm flooded dorms and damaged several campus buildings. Smithtown saw over 8 inches of rain, which caused a 60-foot concrete dam at Blydenberg Park to break, draining Stump Pond. According to CBS News, the Smithtown Library’s basement, filled with historical archives, was flooded to the ceiling.
What a Disaster Emergency Means for Suffolk County Residents
After the one-in-1,000-year rain event, Hochul declared a disaster emergency for Suffolk County. This declaration shows how serious the situation is and how important it is to provide urgent and substantial support. By declaring a disaster emergency, the state can quickly and efficiently mobilize resources to help the affected communities. In addition, this declaration gives the governor the authority to request federal assistance, including financial support and extra resources from FEMA, which are crucial for the community’s recovery.
President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Suffolk County, which will provide increased support for residents and businesses, including grants and low-interest loans for uninsured or underinsured losses. It will also offer assistance with temporary housing, debris removal, and other critical needs. The declaration emphasizes the importance of a coordinated response to rebuild and restore normalcy efficiently.
This level of state and federal aid is vital for communities hit by such a catastrophic event. It helps ease the burden on local resources and ensures comprehensive and swift recovery.
Long Island’s Unpredictable Weather and Increasing Severe Events
Long Island has always been known for its diverse weather patterns. Still, in recent years, the region has experienced a noticeable increase in the frequency and intensity of severe weather events. The unpredictability of Long Island’s weather is becoming a growing concern for residents and property owners alike.
Climate experts suggest that these trends link to broader patterns of climate change, which can lead to more extreme weather events. As a result, storms like the one in August 2024 are becoming less of a rare occurrence and more of a regular challenge, making it essential for homeowners and businesses to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether securing adequate insurance coverage or investing in property improvements to withstand severe weather, being proactive is more important than ever in this changing climate.
UWRGLI’s Rapid Response
United Water Restoration Long Island immediately sprang into action after the storm. Amid widespread storm damage across the area, our IICRC certified team responded to one home in East Setauket, where floodwaters nearly reached the ceiling. Equipped with state-of-the-art tools, we helped this homeowner and many other local property owners with storm damage cleanup. From water extraction to removing damaged contents to preventing mold growth, our professional team worked tirelessly to stabilize properties, laying the groundwork for repairs and reconstruction.
If your property has been affected by this historic storm or any weather-related event, please call United at (631) 494-4764. We’re here to help you navigate the cleanup and restoration process and ensure you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
