Event Summary

An unusual cutoff low pressure system for June resulted in a period of strong northeast winds across the region June 4 into June 5. The combination of the resultant surge and astronomically high spring tides, created widespread minor coastal flooding and areas of moderate coastal flooding during the time of high tide the night of June 4. Widespread minor and only localized moderate coastal flooding was experienced during the times of high tide the night of June 5 as low pressure moved out to sea and winds weakened. The USGS tidal gauge in Jamaica Bay at Inwood recorded a water level of 8.7 ft. MLLW during the evening high tide cycle of June 4, 2012. This is at the threshold for moderate coastal flooding at this location established by the National Weather Service. As a result, a few feet of inundation was reported in the Rosedale section of Queens at Brookville Blvd. from 149th Street to Rockaway Blvd., with several stuck automobiles and even a city bus. A few feet of inundation was also reported in the Arverne section of Queens at Beach 72nd Street and Thursby Avenue with stuck automobiles. The NOS tidal gauge at Kings Point recorded a water level of 10.81 ft. MLLW during the high tide cycle of the night of June 4, 2012. This is .31 ft. above the threshold for moderate coastal flooding at this location established by the National Weather Service.