NEW YORK — Homes across Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach were inundated this week as heavy rainfall combined with unusually high tides caused Jamaica Bay’s basins to overflow their banks. Dozens of residents faced severe property damage and temporary displacement, renewing urgent calls for enhanced coastal infrastructure. The flooding began Monday evening, March 17, 2026, as a nor’easter battered the Queens coastline, dumping over three inches of rain in a sixhour period. Simultaneously, an astronomical high tide pushed Jamaica Bay’s water levels several feet above normal, overwhelming existing drainage systems and protective barriers around the Hawtree Basin and Shellbank Basin. Widespread Property Damage and Displacement Many streets, including those along 102nd Street and 160th Avenue in Old Howard Beach, quickly became impassable, with water reaching depths of two to three feet in some areas. Residents reported water seeping into basements and groundfloor living spaces, destroying personal belongings and critical home systems. The pervasive smell of salt water and dampness hung heavy in the air. Fire Department of New York (FDNY) units, working alongside the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), responded to dozens of calls for assistance throughout the night. They helped pump out flooded homes and evacuate vulnerable residents from their properties. The situation was particularly challenging for elderly residents. “My entire finished basement is ruined, everything,” lamented Eleanor Kessel, a homeowner on 161st Avenue, surveying the mud and debris Tuesday morning. She has lived in her home for 45 years. “This isn’t just a puddle; this is a disaster, and it happens every few years now. We need real solutions, not just temporary fixes.” Community Demands for Infrastructure Improvements This latest flooding event has reignited longstanding frustrations among Howard Beach residents regarding the vulnerability of their community to coastal storms. Local civic associations and homeowner groups have consistently advocated for improved seawalls, reinforced bulkheads, and upgraded drainage systems along the bayfront. They have attended numerous community board meetings to press their case. “We’ve been sounding the alarm for years,” stated Frank Russo, President of the Howard Beach Civic Association, in an impassioned press conference held outside the flooded Hamilton Beach Library branch. “Our homes, our businesses, our entire way of life are at risk. The city and state must prioritize these coastal protection projects before another major storm hits.” The NYC Department of City Planning had previously outlined several longterm resiliency plans for coastal Queens, including proposals for new tide gates and wetland restoration projects within Jamaica Bay. However, many of these initiatives are still in preliminary stages or facing significant funding challenges, leaving residents feeling exposed. For more details on , consult our environmental archives. Official Responses and Future Plans Councilwoman Joann Palumbo, whose district includes Howard Beach, visited affected areas Tuesday, promising to push for emergency funding and accelerated infrastructure work. “Seeing the devastation firsthand underscores the urgency of this issue,” Palumbo told local news outlets from a waterlogged street. “I will not rest until our community receives the resources it needs to protect itself from these increasingly frequent weather events.” The DEP issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the flooding and reiterating its commitment to working with local stakeholders. They indicated that crews were already on the ground assessing damage and clearing storm drains. A more comprehensive plan for shortterm and longterm solutions is expected to be announced next month. Residents are urged to prepare for future events by reviewing guidelines. Experts attribute the increased frequency and intensity of coastal flooding to a combination of rising sea levels and more extreme weather patterns associated with climate change. They warn that such events will likely become more common, emphasizing the need for proactive and robust resilience strategies rather than reactive measures. Protecting the entire Jamaica Bay ecosystem is also a key component of future planning. Call for Greater Government Action Many residents voiced frustration that despite numerous studies and proposals, tangible improvements have been slow to materialize. They point to the ongoing struggle to secure federal and state funding for largescale projects, often involving complex environmental regulations and interagency coordination. The community believes more decisive action is needed now. The Howard Beach community faces not just a recovery effort but a longterm battle against the encroaching waters of Jamaica Bay. As cleanup efforts begin, the unified message from residents is clear: their homes and futures depend on immediate and sustained
