Queens New York Local News Stations Report Heavy Winter Storm Damage

By Evelyn Reed, Weather & Transit Reporter | February 27, 2026 | Health & Weather

NEW YORK — More than 14,000 Queens households lost electricity early Friday morning, WABC News confirmed, as a powerful coastal storm packing 55 mph wind gusts battered the low-lying coastal communities of Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach. The storm surge flooded basement apartments and forced emergency crews to rescue several stranded drivers.

Coastal Flooding Inundates Low Lying Howard Beach Streets

High tide brought a 3.5-foot storm surge that quickly overtopped the seawalls along Shellbank Basin and Hawtree Creek. Streets including 102nd Street and 165th Avenue were submerged under two feet of salt water, rendering them entirely impassable for passenger vehicles.

Emergency dispatchers received dozens of calls from anxious residents who watched the rising waters creep up their front steps. This extreme weather event underscores the ongoing vulnerability of local infrastructure, which was also tested recently when a moped collision claims life of 13-year-old boy during a chaotic traffic period on a nearby roadway.

Consolidated Edison Deploys Hundreds of Repair Crews

"We have deployed over 450 utility crews to South Queens to repair downed power lines and replace damaged transformers," Consolidated Edison spokesperson Allan Drury said Friday morning. "Our priority is restoring power to critical medical facilities and high-density senior housing complexes along the boulevard."

Drury added that utility poles coated in heavy salt spray from the bay represent a unique challenge, as the salt can conduct electricity and trigger localized equipment fires. Crews are working 12-hour shifts to clear trees and restore service.

Traffic Suspended on Major Queens Evacuation Routes

Police barricaded several sections of Cross Bay Boulevard as deep water flooded the northbound lanes near 160th Avenue. The road closures triggered widespread commuter delays and cut off the primary route connecting the Rockaway Peninsula to the Belt Parkway.

These severe disruptions are occurring at a time when local merchants are already experiencing economic pressure. Ongoing transit issues and severe weather have contributed to situations where Cross Bay Boulevard businesses face severe financial strain due to decreased foot traffic and storm-related repair costs.

Local Media Outlets Coordinate Emergency Public Broadcasts

Local news stations worked throughout the night to provide real-time safety updates to residents in flood-prone areas. As detailed by WABC News coverage of Queens weather, reporters positioned along the waterfront documented the rapid rise of the tide and warned drivers to avoid flooded streets.

These broadcasts are crucial for coastal neighborhoods where high winds can quickly turn loose objects into dangerous projectiles. Sanitation officials have suspended regular trash collection in the affected zones to prevent loose bins from blocking drainage grates.

Community Board Demands Accelerated Funding for Flood Gates

Members of Queens Community Board 10 are calling on the federal government to expedite the construction of proposed storm surge barrier gates for Jamaica Bay's basins. The project has been delayed in the planning stages for over four years, leaving coastal communities exposed to recurring tidal flooding.

Civic leaders argue that without permanent structural defenses, South Queens will continue to suffer costly property damage from routine coastal storms. A public hearing on the flood gate project is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Howard Beach library.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of Queens experienced the most severe flooding during this storm?

The most severe coastal flooding occurred in the low-lying neighborhoods of Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, and Broad Channel, where streets adjacent to the basins and Jamaica Bay were submerged under up to three feet of water. High winds also caused scattered power outages across Ozone Park and Woodhaven.

Where can residents report storm damage or find emergency shelter?

Residents can report localized street flooding and downed trees by calling 311 or visiting the NYC Emergency Management website. For those displaced by flooding, a temporary emergency shelter has been established at the Howard Beach Recreation Center on Coleman Square, staffed by the American Red Cross.