Long Island weather forecast: Overnight rain possible, dangerous rip currents
East Hampton Town Beach was closed to swimmers Saturday because of rough surf generated by Hurricane Ernesto out in the Atlantic Ocean. Credit: John Roca
Rain, or at least the chance of rain, is in the forecast for Long Island through Tuesday, but while Hurricane Ernesto out in the Atlantic Ocean will be churning up the surf on the area's beaches in the next few days, the National Weather Service says the rain is unrelated.
The weather service said Saturday evening that there was a 40% chance of showers during the day Sunday with the chance of precipitation jumping to 80% Sunday night.
A high temperature of about 80 degrees is expected Sunday with a southeast wind of 9 to 14 mph. The temperature should slip to a low of about 69 degrees Saturday evening.
In an advisory the weather service warned of the potential scattered flash flooding in parts of the region, including Long Island, on Sunday into Sunday night with 1 inch to 2 inches of rain per hour.
The rain comes as Ernesto is bringing dangerous swimming conditions to Long Island. The hurricane, a Category 2, passed through Bermuda with collateral impacts across the northeast, forecasters said.
The impact in New York is high surf — big waves and dangerous rip currents through at least Sunday and possibly Monday on the ocean side, said meteorologist Jim Connolly with the weather service.
In anticipation of the rough surf and rip currents, New York City closed beaches in Queens and Brooklyn on Saturday and Sunday.
On Long Island, Ernesto will create dangerous swimming conditions and a rip current statement is in effect through Monday evening for all South Shore beaches. The storm could bring 6-foot waves with minor coastal flooding.
"It’s way out there," Connolly said of the hurricane. "The rain that we’re getting is totally unrelated to Ernesto."
On Monday, showers and thunderstorms are expected before 8 a.m. and after 2 p.m. There is also a chance of showers Tuesday before partly sunny skies arrive on Wednesday, according to the weather service.
The high temperature on Monday should be about 81 degrees, and then in the mid 70s on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.
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