High wind, flood warnings for Long Island, Weather Service warns

A new storm impacting much of the nation will bring 1 to 2 inches of rain to an already saturated Long Island beginning Tuesday afternoon.

By Robert Brodskyrobert.brodsky@newsday.com @BrodskyRobertUpdated January 9, 2024

Long Islanders should brace for high winds with gusts up to 70 mph and excessive rainfall that could lead to flooding Tuesday into Wednesday from a major statewide storm.

In its Tuesday morning update, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning, in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 1 p.m. Wednesday; a high wind warning, in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday; and a flood watch, in effect from this evening through Wednesday morning.

The storm is expected to bring 2 inches of rain to most areas with some places getting more. With it, comes the potential for widespread flooding, including flash flooding, according to the service. Vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline could see 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level.

Freeport, East Rockaway, Lindenhurst, Point Lookout and Sayville are among the communities at greatest risk for major coastal flooding, according to a weather service advisory late Monday.

The Town of Huntington is postponing its inauguration of elected officials because of the storm. A new date for the ceremony that had been scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday has not been determined, the town said.

Southeast winds of 25 to 35 mph also are expected with gusts up to 70 mph.

“Make no mistake, this could be a life-threatening storm,” Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters in an online update Monday night. “It is a statewide event but it's hitting the different regions of our state very differently.”

Long Island and New York City, she said, are at risk for coastal flooding and high winds, while the Hudson Valley could experience potentially dangerous flash flooding.

The highest rain totals are projected in central Nassau, where Syosset could see up to 2.53 inches, the weather service said. Lower rain totals are forecast in Suffolk County.

The heaviest rainfall is expected between 7 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday, although significant effects of flooding are likely to continue through Thursday morning, forecasters warned.

On Monday night, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine issued a state of emergency for the county.

“While the height of the storm is anticipated to impact the County during the evening and overnight hours,” Romaine said in a statement, “I strongly advise our residents to avoid travel as heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts and potential flooding are all possible.”

The strongest winds will likely be for a four- to six-hour period between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday, according to the weather service.

“This is going to be more of a popping wind as we get later in the night Tuesday and into early Wednesday,” said Jay Engle, a weather service meteorologist.

Power outages and downed trees are possible, officials said. PSEG Long Island said they'd brought in more than 350 off-Island utility personnel to help restore power after the storm.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Long Island Rail Road crews said they're also prepared with equipment for weather-related issues, including chain saws for clearing downed trees and pumps in the event of flooded areas.

“LIRR crews are preparing the system for the incoming weather by pre-positioning equipment so they can respond quickly to any challenges brought on by the heavy winds and rain,” said acting LIRR president Rob Free. “This storm is expected to affect the ride home on Tuesday and the ride to work on Wednesday.”

The rain also is expected to affect the city's subway system, the MTA said.

Long Island's already battered shoreline could bear the brunt of the storm with widespread dune erosion expected and breaches in some areas possible, the weather service said.

Ocean waves could reach up to 20 feet, with up to 8 feet possible on Long Island Sound.

The rain should taper off by Wednesday morning, giving way to clearing skies, moderate temperatures and diminishing winds. Thursday and Friday should be clear, with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 40s, forecasters said.