By Michael V. Cusenza
A wild winter storm blasted The World’s Borough Friday—10 years after Superstorm Sandy–causing severe flooding in parts of South Queens, including Howard Beach and the Rockaways.
Forum Photos by Vincent M. Coronati
Torrential downpours and high-speed wind gusts caused Jamaica Bay to overflow, bringing several feet of flood water to the area. Communities such as Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach were greatly affected by the holiday weekend storm.
NYC Emergency Management and the American Red Cross set up temporary reception centers at PS 207 in Howard Beach and Goldie Maple Academy in Arverne on Friday and Saturday.
According to PIX 11, on Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul and other local leaders surveyed the damage in the area and assured that $52 billion in federal funding has been allocated to make much-needed and awaited infrastructure improvements.
NYC Emergency Management indicated that it is encouraging New Yorkers experiencing property damage as the result of the winter storm to report it by filling out its damage assessment form or calling 311. To report storm damage, use the Damage Assessment Tool here: https://on.nyc.gov/report-damage. The DAT allows the City to immediately collect damage information from New Yorkers to assess the impact upon affected areas.
In October, South Queens communities marked the 10-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. The weather catastrophe caused more than $40 billion in damages and claimed 53 lives across the Empire State.
