Suprise storms flood streets, subways.

Intense thunderstorms pummeled New York City and surrounding areas Wednesday afternoon, bringing flooding downpours that caused mass transit, airport and road delays, and made roads look more like rivers.

The thunderstorms rapidly dumped more than an inch of rain in some spots.

Water pooled in some areas, making roads impassable and flooding some subway stations.

On Long Island, drivers were caught by surprise and had a tough time navigating through the water.

"I was going straight on Jericho Turnpike, and within seconds the whole road was flooded," said Marie Koppelman of Bethpage. "I couldn't get past it, and a huge truck came by. My car died, and the level of the water was up to the doors."

A separate track of storms had barreled across Long Island earlier Wednesday, causing rampant flooding in New Hyde Park.

The powerful rain and wind knocked down trees across the village of East Williston in Nassau County.

No one was hurt.

In addition to the intense bursts of rain, the storms brought gusty winds and dangerous lightning.

In New Jersey, a man fishing at Takanassee Lake in Long Branch was struck by lightning.

He was taken to Monmouth Medical Center in critical condition.

About 75 miles north in Bloomingdale, the roof of a house caught fire when lightning struck.

The elderly couple who lived there wasn't aware they were in danger until neighbors came and alerted them.

Delays of arrivals and departures were reported at all three area airports due to the thunderstorms.

Some residents reported seeing dime-sized bits of hail pounding their windows and doorsteps.

Others reported flooded basements.