Hurricane Sandy – Morning Update – Some Flooding And Power Outages, Bay Begins To Overflow

Hurricane Sandy is still some 300 miles offshore and isn’t expected to hit land until this afternoon, but winds are already picking up speed and the water level is coming up high against Sheepshead Bay’s bulkhead.

(Get all the latest Hurricane Sandy-related news, announcements and resources, including live video, at our Hurricane Sandy Resource page.)

High-wind warnings went into effect at 6 a.m. today and continue through 6 p.m. Tuesday. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning from 6 a.m. today to 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

As of 9:30 a.m., winds are gusting at just under 40 mph. The strongest winds are expected to come in this afternoon or evening, measuring 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. Higher gusts up to 85 mph possible along south facing shorelines like Sheepshead Bay are expected, and winds will last until tomorrow afternoon or evening.

The high winds have already downed some trees, causing large power outages in Flatlands and Dyker Heights, but only a few scattered incidents have been reported in our coverage areas.

Meanwhile, we’re already hearing about flooding in Manhattan Beach. Storm drains have backed up and cars careening down Shore Boulevard are throwing up plumes of water in their wake. In Sheepshead Bay, some low-lying streets are flooding, including Voorhies Avenue. Unsurprisingly, Driscoll Tucker Place, the waterfront park at the end of the marina on Emmons Avenue and next to Stella Maris, has become an extension of the Bay and is under several inches of water.

The Belt Parkway has flooded near Bay Parkway, and cars are reportedly having difficult getting through. We believe it won’t be long until it’s closed off.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be making more Sandy-related announcements at 11:30 a.m.

Please stay safe! Stay indoors and do not drive. Check in on your neighbors.

We will be providing updates throughout the day. Keep checking in!