Subways Floods Disrupt Commute

"Most of the New York City subway system was back in service by this evening's rush hour after a fierce morning storm disrupted transit service throughout much of the region and unleashed a rare and destructive tornado that whipped southwestern Brooklyn with winds of up to 135 miles an hour."

"The storm dropped about 3 inches of rain on the New York metropolitan area in about an hour, flooding major thoroughfares, cutting off power to thousands of homes and causing confusion that lingered through a humid, sweaty day."

"Although service was restored on most subway lines by this evening - including the Nos. 4, 5 and 6 lines, and the Nos. 1, 2, and 3 lines - the V and W lines remained suspended. Shuttle buses are being run in some areas of Queens."

"'The timing and intensity of the storm took us by surprise,' said Elliot G. Sander, the chief executive of the M.T.A. 'The intensity of the storm brought torrential rainfall in a short period of time, overwhelming both our pumps and the sewer system that is needed to accept the pump water.'"

"Around Brooklyn, motorists drove in search of an open subway line, so that they could park and take the train."