Cross Bay Boulevard Area: Queens Warming Center Extends Operations Amid Cold Snap Through February 4, 2026

QUEENS, NY – As a severe cold snap continues to grip the New York City metropolitan area, the Howard Beach Senior Center, located just off Cross Bay Boulevard at 162-04 95th Street, has announced an extension of its warming center operations. The facility will now remain open around the clock through February 4, 2026, to provide refuge for residents needing protection from dangerously low temperatures and wind chill factors.

The decision to extend hours came following a severe weather alert issued by the National Weather Service, predicting continued sub-freezing temperatures and high winds that pose a significant risk of hypothermia and frostbite. This move aims to ensure that no resident in the Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, or Broad Channel communities is left vulnerable during this critical period. The center is providing hot beverages, light snacks, and a safe, warm environment for all who need it.

Community Outreach and Support Efforts

Local community leaders and volunteers have stepped up to assist with the warming center's extended operations. Council Member Joann Ariola's office has been instrumental in coordinating additional resources, including transportation assistance for elderly residents and those with limited mobility. "The safety and well-being of our community members, especially during extreme weather events, is our top priority," stated a representative from Council Member Ariola's office. "We urge anyone who needs warmth, or knows someone who does, to utilize the Howard Beach Senior Center or other designated warming sites across the borough."

Local charities and faith-based organizations along Cross Bay Boulevard have also contributed, donating blankets, warm clothing, and non-perishable food items. Volunteers are actively engaged in checking on vulnerable neighbors and informing them about the available resources. The city's 311 service is also providing updated information on all active warming centers in Queens.

Safety Guidelines During Extreme Cold

Health officials remind residents to take extra precautions during this prolonged cold snap. Recommendations include dressing in layers, limiting outdoor exposure, and checking on elderly neighbors and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Pet owners are also advised to bring their animals indoors and ensure they have adequate shelter and warmth. The city has issued a Code Blue warning, which means homeless outreach teams are actively engaging with unsheltered individuals to direct them to shelters and warming centers.

The extended operations at the Howard Beach Senior Center underscore the community's commitment to collective safety. Residents are encouraged to monitor local news for further weather updates and to prioritize their health and safety until warmer conditions return. The warming center will be staffed continuously until its projected closure on the morning of February 5, 2026, if weather conditions improve as forecast.

Key Points:

• Howard Beach Senior Center on 95th Street, near Cross Bay Boulevard, has extended its warming center operations.
• The center will remain open 24/7 through February 4, 2026, due to a severe cold snap.
• Provides hot beverages, snacks, and a warm shelter for local residents.
• Community leaders and volunteers are coordinating outreach and support.
• Residents are urged to take precautions against extreme cold and utilize warming centers.