Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday said she wants to make "long overdue improvements" to curtail flash flood events like the ones that have devastated the New York City area after the remnant of Hurricane Ida swept through the region.

"Every crisis is an opportunity to learn and prepare for the next one," she said during a stop in Great Neck on Long Island.

Massive flooding in streams and river tributaries has led to flooded parkways across the New York City area, snarling traffic and stalling early morning commutes. As water has receded, submerged cars abandoned by their owners could be seen on otherwise heavily trafficked areas.

The downpour on Wednesday led to flooded subway stations and delays.

Hochul spoke with President Joe Biden on Thursday morning to seek federal aid in the recovery from the flood damage. Nine people have died in the flooding.

"The future we spoke about in dire terms, that future is now," Hochul said. "We're losing life, we're losing property. We can't continue on this path."

Hochul also spoke of the need to better warn the public ahead of potential flash flood events and provide for a better communications network in advance of big storms.

"It's very hard to get this precise, but the communications I'm talking about is telling the public," she said.