Commuters faced major disruptions in Queens and Brooklyn, while parts of Long Island recorded as much as 2.87 inches of rain, according to Pix11.

Traffic backed up for miles along the Long Island Expressway, while FDNY personnel were seen wading through water that reached their ankles.

Flash flooding struck parts of Brooklyn, creating major problems for evening commuters. The Long Island Expressway was shut down in both directions near Francis Lewis Boulevard, NYCEM reported shortly before 7:30 p.m. Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes.

Videos from the area showed one driver struggling to push a stalled gray Mercedes along 188th Street as powerful floodwaters swept through Brooklyn.

Some motorists resorted to climbing onto the roofs of their vehicles to keep themselves out of the rising water.

In Bushwick, Brooklyn, drainage systems were overwhelmed as intense rainfall poured down within minutes.

Another Brooklyn resident climbed onto the roof of his vehicle as floodwaters continued to rise.

Other people found themselves wading through knee-deep water as they cautiously made their way toward nearby trees and other places where they could hold on.

Officials had warned drivers to prepare for the severe weather. A level 3 out of 4 flash-flood risk was issued Thursday afternoon for central and northern New Jersey as well as New York City.

A tornado watch was also issued for more than 15 million people across Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Virginia.

The storm also disrupted public transportation. Service on the A, C and E subway lines experienced delays early Friday, although those problems have since been resolved.