Long Island forecast: Coastal flooding possible Sunday
Hikers walk the trails in Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park on Friday, while Long Island was under a red flag watch. Credit: Rick Kopstein
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood statement for parts of Long Island from Sunday morning through the afternoon.
As for rain, however: There's none in the Island forecast for at least three more days, though some may be on the way Wednesday night.
The weather service said up to a half of a foot "of inundation above ground level" was expected Sunday in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline during high tides. The service's flood statement covered northwest Suffolk, southwest Suffolk, southeast Suffolk and northern Nassau, and parts of Connecticut.
"Do not drive through flooded roadways," the statement cautioned.
Sunday's forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 62.
A red flag warning was issued for the Island on Saturday amid dry, gusty conditions. Relative humidity values are forecast to remain low on Sunday, and another warning is possible and "may be a question of the wind," weather service meteorologist Bill Goodman said.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation ranked Long Island as "very high" for Saturday on its Fire Danger Rating Area Risk Level, meaning that fires start easily from all causes and can "spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity."
A combination of high winds and low humidity with dry fuels — or things on the ground such as leaves or pine needles — is a recipe for quick spreading fires.
"If you start a fire under those conditions, it could spread rapidly," Goodman said.
New York is under a statewide burn ban that prohibits outside fires until Nov. 30.
Monday will see highs in the mid 60s, above-average temperatures for this time of year, Goodman said. The rest of the week will slowly cool down to the low 60s.
The forecast calls for a mostly sunny Monday and Tuesday, and a partly sunny Wednesday. However, a 60% chance of rain is predicted for Wednesday night, with showers through Friday.
With the potential for about an inch of rain during that time, Goodman said, the wet ground could reduce the likelihood of fire.
"That would especially put a dent in at least the fire weather conditions," he said.
With Maureen Mullarkey
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