New York, NY – In a rare moment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the famous host made a comment that left viewers stunned regarding the ongoing flooding in New York City. Colbert shared that while he was driving to work this morning, he felt as though he was “driving a submarine” while navigating the heavy rain and flooding in the city. This is the second time in two years that New York City has faced severe flooding, which brings back growing concerns about the increasing dangers of climate change.

Today’s heavy rainfall has caused intense flash flooding on many streets, disrupting traffic and forcing vehicles to struggle through vast amounts of water. The rising water levels quickly turned many areas into “water zones,” and in this context, Colbert did not hesitate to use a strong metaphor to describe the feeling of driving through the flooded streets.

Flooding Returns – A Submarine-like Drive

“I’m sure you’ve seen the traffic situation this morning,” Colbert began in a segment on his late-night show. “I was driving to work, and I felt like I was driving a submarine. Everything around me was submerged, and I had to fight through the strong currents just to keep moving.” Colbert continued to describe in detail how, while driving through areas like Midtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, he was met with water rising high enough to slow down all traffic.

“We all know that the rainy season comes and goes, but recent storms have been increasingly intense. I couldn’t help but feel worried when thinking about past heavy rains, especially the flood of 2021,” Colbert added, causing the audience to recall the record rainfall that caused significant damage to the city last year.

The 2021 Flood – A Historical Warning

In 2021, the flood caused by Hurricane Ida struck New York City, resulting in severe flooding on major streets, disrupting traffic, shutting down railroads, and causing the cancellation of over a thousand flights. The storm was considered one of the worst weather events in the city’s history, leaving at least 13 people dead and forcing thousands to evacuate. The sudden downpour and flash floods submerged many areas in the city, with rainfall reaching up to 3–4 inches in just one hour.

Colbert particularly emphasized that today’s flooding, although not as destructive as Hurricane Ida, is a wake-up call for the increasingly growing danger. “We can’t just think of this as a temporary storm. This is a sign of what’s happening to our environment and weather,” Colbert shared, with seriousness in his voice.

Climate Change and the Flash Flood Threat

Colbert’s remarks weren’t just limited to humorous images of driving through the floodwaters. He gave a serious warning about the threat of climate change, which has been increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. In recent years, New York City has seen a sharp rise in the intensity and frequency of heavy rains, making flash floods an even greater concern than ever before.

“We can no longer ignore this reality,” Colbert said, stressing that if flash floods like those in 2021 are repeated in the near future, the city and coastal areas could face even more devastating impacts unless timely preventive measures are taken. “Climate change is not a story for the future; it’s happening right before our eyes. Storms like today, floods like 2021, these are signals we cannot ignore.”

Warnings for the City and Authorities

Colbert also pointed out that city officials and relevant authorities need to take stronger measures to address flooding and extreme weather events. “We need long-term plans to deal with floods and improve infrastructure to minimize damage. We can’t just sit and hope that everything will be okay,” Colbert said.

He also mentioned the role of governments in promoting measures to combat climate change, from reducing emissions to investing in green technologies. “We need to act today, not only to protect the city but to protect this planet for future generations.”

The Future of the City Under Climate Change Pressure

Colbert didn’t just describe the floods and heavy rain as humorous situations in his show but also offered a serious outlook on what might come if people don’t change their ways. With unpredictable weather forecasts and more frequent heavy rains causing flooding, New York City and other coastal cities may face increasingly severe natural disasters in the near future.

“We can’t live in denial. This city, this country, and this planet are facing bigger challenges than ever before. But the important thing is that we can change and act right now,” Colbert concluded, calling for citizens and leaders to work together to solve the climate change problem.

Conclusion:

From humorous anecdotes on stage to serious warnings about the future, Stephen Colbert has used his show to remind us of the dangers of flooding, and especially the impact of climate change. Today’s flood is not just a simple weather incident; it is a serious reminder of what could happen if we don’t act immediately.

With every heavy rain, with every flood, we get one step closer to confronting the long-term effects of climate change. And as Colbert said, if we don’t change, today’s rainstorms will just be the first signs of a future full of challenges.