Sewer Overflows in New York City, Flooding Streets as Pedestrians Run for Safety Video recorded in New York City shows a sudden infrastructure failure as an overflowing sewer sends water surging into busy streets, flooding roadways and sidewalks within minutes. The footage captures water bursting from a street drain and spreading rapidly, forcing pedestrians to scramble to higher ground. People can be seen running to avoid the rising water as traffic slows and vehicles stop to keep from driving