Rain and Storms Add New Challenges to Brooklyn Building Collapse Search

Persistent rain and thunderstorms could hamper the investigation of a deadly building collapse in Brooklyn, New York. Here is a look at how the weather is impacting search and rescue crews on the ground.

Eight People Confirmed Dead in Brooklyn Building Collapse

At least eight people have been confirmed dead in Brooklyn after a three-story multi-use building on Flatbush Avenue collapsed on Wednesday afternoon. According to local officials, six adults and two children are among the dead. In addition to the fatalities, at least 18 people were injured in the collapse. The list of injured includes four firefighters.

Over 250 fire and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to sift through the rubble looking for survivors. Crews arrived within a minute to begin the process of carefully extracting people from the debris.

While conditions were clear at the time of the collapse, heavy rain and thunderstorms began moving into the New York City area on Thursday afternoon.  A Tornado Watch was issued for Queens on Thursday as severe storms roamed the city and its boroughs. A possible twister was spotted near John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The rain is forecast to continue through the overnight hours on Thursday and into Friday. Forecasters are worried that heavy rain could create ponding and piles of mud at the collapse site.