National Weather Service Issues Spring Coastal Flood Warning By Newstrix | March 11, 2026 | Environment NEW YORK — The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory for South Queens on Wednesday morning, ABC7 New York confirmed. Meteorological data shows high tides along the local basins will exceed normal levels by up to 1.8 feet. Municipal emergency response teams deployed temporary water barrier systems along lowlying coastal roads. Homeowners in vulnerable coastal blocks are clearing basement areas ahead of the evening high tide cycle. Emergency Management Warns of Basin Overflow City crews monitored water levels along the Hawtree Basin seawall entrance at 165th Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. Highcapacity drainage systems are operating at peak capacity to handle the anticipated tidal influx. Saltwater pooled silently on the asphalt near the edge of the basin as gulls circled overhead in the damp morning breeze. Local police officers stood by to close flooded streets if conditions deteriorated further. Commissioner Iscol Outlines Pump Deployment Strategy "We are positioning mobile assets in key coastal zones to minimize street flooding during the highest tide cycles," Commissioner Zach Iscol of the New York City Emergency Management Department said Wednesday. Iscol noted that additional sanitation workers were clearing catch basins of debris. The city deployed five highvelocity water pumps to the most vulnerable coastal intersections. These pumps can relocate thousands of gallons of water per minute back into the bay. Coastal Storm Data Details Tidal Surges Meteorologists report that the combination of a spring full moon and a weak offshore wind is driving the coastal inundation. Residents are checking the local to plan their commutes around high tide. The highest water levels are projected to occur between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday night. Roadways near Shellbank Basin are expected to experience moderate streetlevel flooding. Neighborhood Associations Mobilize Flood Prevention Resources Local civic groups urged residents to help keep street gutters clear of leaves and plastic waste. In past storms, blocked storm drains exacerbated street flooding across several residential blocks. Homeowners recalled previous severe weather events, including when a massive disrupted vehicle traffic and caused basement damage. The neighborhood civic association distributed free sandbags at the local park. Residents Urged to Monitor RealTime Alerts Local authorities advised drivers to avoid parking their vehicles on lowlying streets near the basins overnight. Public transit routes may experience minor detours if arterial roads become impassable. Emergency management teams will remain on active patrol through Thursday morning to assess any property damage. Updated forecasts will be issued as tidal patterns develop. Frequently Asked Questions What steps should homeowners take during a coastal flood advisory? Homeowners should move valuable items out of basements and crawl spaces to higher floors immediately. Vehicles should be parked on higher ground away from the local canal basins. Additionally, residents should ensure that sump pumps are operating correctly and that backflow prevention valves are clear. Where can residents obtain emergency sandbags in the neighborhood? Sandbags are distributed free of charge by the local civic association at the neighborhood park parking lot during active flood warnings. Residents must present proof of address to receive up to five sandbags per household. Supplies are distributed on a firstcome, firstserved basis.
