New York, New York: A City That's Seen Its Fair Share of Floods
New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of (and apparently, so are puddles), has a long and storied history. But let's be honest, it's not all glitz and glamour. The Big Apple has also had its fair share of water-related woes. We're talking floods, people. Not just little ankle-deep puddles, but the kind of floods that make Noah look like a rookie boat builder.
How Many Times Has NYC Actually Flooded?
Okay, so you want the straight dope on how many times NYC has been underwater? Well, buckle up, because this is about as clear as mud. See, there's a slight issue: defining "flood." Is it a puddle that makes you hop like a startled kangaroo? Or is it a tidal wave that turns your apartment into an aquarium?
We could probably count the number of times a New Yorker has complained about the subway on a rainy day and call it a flood. But that wouldn't be very scientific, would it? So, let's stick to the big ones: the kind of floods that make the news and force people to wear inflatable swans as transportation.
The Nasty Nineties and Beyond
The 1990s were a particularly soggy decade for NYC. We had hurricanes, nor'easters, and enough rain to fill Central Park ten times over. It was like Mother Nature decided to turn the city into a giant water park. And let's not forget Hurricane Sandy in 2012. That was a doozy. The city looked like a drowned rat, and people were trading their stilettos for wellies.
But fear not, dear reader! New York is a city of resilience. We've seen worse. We've survived the Ice Age, for crying out loud. A little flood isn't going to phase us.
So, What Can We Do About It?
Well, besides investing in a snorkel and a pair of webbed feet, there are a few things we can do. Building stronger seawalls, improving drainage systems, and raising awareness about climate change are all good places to start. But let's be honest, the most important thing is to keep a sense of humor. Because when the going gets tough, the tough wear rubber boots and order Chinese food.
How to prepare for a flood? Invest in a waterproof mattress and a really good pair of rubber boots.How to survive a flood? Learn to swim and make friends with a duck.How to clean up after a flood? Hire a professional and order pizza.How to stay sane during a flood? Watch "Titanic" and pretend it's a comedy.How to find humor in a flood? Imagine all the fish you could catch in Central Park.
