Rush-hour rainstorm causes transport chaos in New York City

Traffic makes its way through floodwater on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (Robert Bumsted/AP)

A rush-hour rainstorm has swamped New York City, shutting down parts of the subway system, flooding streets and highways, and delaying flights into LaGuardia Airport.

Up to 5in (13cm) of rain fell in some areas overnight, and as much as 7in (18cm) more is expected throughout the day, New York governor Kathy Hochul said.