A powerful storm brought torrential rainfall to parts of Suffolk County Thursday night, overwhelming drainage systems and causing street flooding throughout several south shore communities.
Bay Avenue in Patchogue was partially submerged, with water levels high enough to disrupt traffic and pose hazards for drivers.
Communities including Patchogue, Oakdale and Bohemia were among those most severely affected by the downpour. According to Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, the storm dumped several inches of rain in a short period of time.
“I bet we got between two and three inches, if not 3 inches,” Pontieri said. “There was an hour or so where it just came down. And that’s probably when this thing filled up over here.”