Dec 27 (Reuters) - A transformer explosion at an electric power station in the New York City borough of Queens on Thursday led police officials to warn people to avoid the area, after social media users posted images of a bright light on the horizon.

"The light you have seen throughout the city appear to have been from a transformer explosion at a Con Ed facility in Queens," the New York Police Department said in an advisory on Twitter to local residents.

"The fire is under control, will update as more info becomes available," it said.

The New York Police Department's 114th precinct, which patrols the area, said in a message on Twitter that people should avoid the area around the power plant.

A representative from Con Edison could not immediately be reached for comment.

Also on Thursday, a power outage at LaGuardia Airport, which is located in Queens, prompted flight cancellations, the New York affiliate of NBC reported. It was not immediately clear if the two events were related. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis and Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles Editing by Leslie Adler)