Southern Queens Under Coastal Flood Warning As 'Major' Storm Nears

QUEENS — Southern Queens residents wrapping presents should also prepare a "Go Bag", city officials warn.

A coastal flood warning is in effect for the southern portion of Queens, with intense weather expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds from Thursday afternoon into the weekend, the city’s Emergency Management department said.

A travel advisory was put in place for Thursday afternoon through Friday, Dec. 23, the department said.

The neighborhoods at highest risk are Hamilton and Howard Beaches, Broad Channel, and the Rockaways.

Read More: NYC Weather: 'Major' Storm To Hit Before Coldest Christmas In Decades

The heavy weather is expected to produce widespread coastal flooding with up to three feet of “above-ground inundation" in Jamaica Bay starting about 5 a.m., officials said.

Peak surge is expected between 8 and 9 a.m., the city’s emergency management department said.

The department recommends preparing a “Go Bag” that residents in coastal areas can grab in case they need to leave their homes in a hurry.

An emergency plan can also include learning the safest route from their homes or workplace to high ground in case of evacuation.

Residents can also keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect their homes.

Queens residents worried about flooding in their area can see which regions are prone to flooding on this city map.

The John F. Kennedy Airport canceled 21 flights on Thursday as of 9:50 a.m., according to the live tracker Flight Aware. LaGuardia Airport has canceled 70 flights.

A soft ban will be in place for empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23.

The pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay and Marine Parkway Bridges will also be closed during this time period.