QUEENS, N.Y. â Floodwater covered streets in parts of Queens on Saturday as a powerful norâeaster battered New York City with heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous coastal flooding, while social-media videos appeared to show people using kayaks near the Howard Beach-JFK Airport station.
The scenes put a spotlight on southern Queens, where neighborhoods around Jamaica Bay are especially vulnerable when strong onshore winds, heavy rain and high tides arrive together. New York City has advised residents to limit travel as the storm continues through the weekend.
The water is so high people are kayaking to the train station in Queens. pic.twitter.com/XEOIab6tms
â Nicholas Isabella (@NycStormChaser) September 26, 2026
Kayakers seen near Howard Beach-JFK station
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show kayakers moving through floodwater outside the Howard Beach-JFK Airport station. Another clip appeared to show a jet ski traveling along a flooded street in Mount Vernon.
The precise timing and circumstances of individual videos have not all been independently confirmed, but the flooding shown is consistent with official warnings for low-lying communities around Jamaica Bay.
Howard Beach is particularly exposed because water pushed inland from Jamaica Bay can combine with heavy rainfall and overwhelm streets and drainage systems.
Southern Queens faces 2 to 3 feet of inundation
The National Weather Service has a Coastal Flood Warning in effect for southern Queens through 6 p.m. Sunday.
Forecasters warned of 2 to 3 feet of inundation above ground level in vulnerable waterfront locations, with widespread moderate to locally major flooding possible. Jamaica Bay communities are among the areas of greatest concern.
Flooding could cover roads, parking areas, parks, lawns and properties close to the shoreline. Officials also warned that water could push inland along tidal bays and waterways.
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Multiple high tides could bring flooding back
One of the biggest concerns is that flooding may occur during several high-tide cycles rather than as a single event.
The worst water levels were expected around Saturday’s high tide, with another significant round possible Sunday. That means streets that temporarily drain could flood again later.
Residents should not assume the risk has ended simply because water levels fall for a few hours.
NYC expects heavy rain and powerful winds
New York City Emergency Management said the city could receive 2 to 3 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 4 to 5 inches possible.
A Wind Advisory covers New York City through early Sunday, with north winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts potentially reaching 55 mph.
At JFK Airport early Saturday, winds were already gusting into the mid-to-upper 40 mph range.
Strong winds combined with wet soil can bring down tree limbs and power lines, creating additional hazards even away from flooded neighborhoods.
Jamaica Bay Faces a Growing Flood Threat
Queens is dealing with two different flooding threats at the same time.
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drains and collect in low-lying streets, while persistent northeast winds push coastal water toward Jamaica Bay. When those effects coincide with high tide, water levels can rise quickly.
The storm follows dramatic weather conditions already seen across New York, including the fiery red NYC sky seen as the norâeaster approached.
Travelers heading to JFK should check conditions
The flooding near Howard Beach is especially important for airport travelers because the station connects the A subway line with AirTrain service to JFK.
Travelers should check subway, AirTrain, road and airline updates before leaving home and allow extra time if conditions deteriorate.
Officials are also warning drivers never to enter flooded roads. Water may be deeper than it appears, and only about a foot of rapidly moving water can carry away some vehicles.
Basement residents urged to prepare
NYC officials have specifically warned people living in basement apartments in flood-prone areas to be ready to move to a higher floor or higher ground.
Residents should stay out of flooded basements because water can rise quickly and may contain electrical or contamination hazards.
The cityâs travel advisory remains in effect through Sunday as the norâeaster continues producing heavy rain, coastal flooding and strong winds.
Similar severe-weather disruptions have recently affected other parts of the Northeast, including the cancellation of Ed Sheeranâs Gillette Stadium shows as dangerous weather moved into New England.
For residents around Howard Beach, Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways, the key risk now is repeated flooding through Sunday as additional rain, strong winds and high tides continue to affect the region.
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