Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Coastal Storm

Strong Winds, Rain, and Coastal Flooding Continue to Impact Long Island, New York City and Lower Mid-Hudson

Wind Gusts Exceeding 40-45 MPH Recorded Across Long Island And Parts Of New York City With Isolated Peak Gusts of More Than 50 MPH

More Than 28,000 Power Outages Reported Statewide With More Than 12,000 In Suffolk and 8,000 In Nassau

Power Outages Expected to Increase With Winds Gusts Reaching 60 MPH Today; More Than 5,800 Utility Workers Available To Respond, Repair and Restore Power

High Tide Cycles Today and Tomorrow Morning Will See Potential For Moderate To Locally Major Coastal Flooding With Up To 3.5 Feet Of Inundation Possible

3-6 Inches Of Total Rainfall Expected For Long Island And New York City Through Monday

Dangerous Rip Currents, High Surf, And Beach Erosion Expected; Stay Out of the Water and Off Beaches

State of Emergency Declared for Long Island, New York City and Westchester County; State Emergency Operations Center Activated

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on a potent coastal storm that began impacting Long Island, New York City, and the Mid-Hudson region yesterday with rain, strong winds, and storm surges. The Governor continues to caution New Yorkers, particularly those in shoreline and low-lying coastal communities on Long Island, in New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson, to take necessary precautions as high winds will cause power outages, dangerous surf, with the potential for coastal and isolated flooding. Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency yesterday for Long Island, New York City and Westchester County and activated the State Emergency Operations Center.

"A dangerous nor’easter is already bearing down on the coastal areas of Long Island, New York City and Westchester County," Governor Hochul said. "This storm poses a significant risk, and I urge New Yorkers to stay informed, stay prepared and stay safe this weekend."

Forecast

Minor coastal flooding has already been observed along the south shore of Nassau County with moderate-to-locally-major coastal flooding possible across portions of New York City and Long Island tonight through Sunday night, and will be most impactful during the high tides.

The locations of highest concern are the southern shores of Queens, Nassau, and southwestern Suffolk Counties. 1-2 feet of inundation is expected, with up to 3.5 feet in vulnerable areas. Roads along the shore will likely become flooded and impassable. Minor coastal flooding has the potential to continue into Monday.

Wind gusts of more than 40 mph have been observed across New York City and Long Island, with wind gusts expected to gradually increase to more than 50 mph overnight. Localized peak wind gusts up to 60 mph are possible downstate, with the highest risk across eastern Long Island. Expect a prolonged period of strong winds in the 40-60 mph range, with gusts gradually weakening Sunday morning. With trees still having full canopies and winds coming from a relatively uncommon direction (from the north-northeast), wind damage will likely be exacerbated. Expect scattered-to-widespread tree damage and power outages across eastern Long Island, gradually decreasing to the north and west into NYC and the Mid-Hudson, with isolated outages potentially continuing into the southern Capital Region.

Light rain is expected to continue to move west overnight, with pockets of locally moderate rain likely moving in tomorrow morning. As of now, the heaviest rain is expected to occur early Sunday morning, when peak rain rates around 1 inch per hour may be possible. Outside of the locally heavier pockets, expect rain rates to generally be less than 0.5 inches per hour. For the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island, expect widespread rain totals of 1-3 inches, with localized peak totals of 4-6 inches. High-end totals are most likely across eastern Long Island, but bands of rain could also allow for localized high end totals in the southern Capital Region. Expect widespread ponding and flooding in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Isolated-to-scattered flash flooding is still possible downstate in urban and flood prone areas, and where drainage systems may be already overwhelmed from coastal flooding.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches, and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

Safety Tips for New Yorkers

As the state experiences high winds, coastal flooding, and rain, New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check local weather forecasts for updates on the storm's track and intensity. Ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on your mobile phone.
• Stay Out of the Water: Avoid swimming, surfing, or boating. Extremely dangerous rip currents and high surf make entering the ocean life-threatening. Stay off rock jetties and beaches where sudden high waves can sweep you into the water.
• Do Not Drive Through Flooded Roads: If you encounter water on the roadway, turn around and find an alternate route. As little as six inches of moving water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, and two feet of water can sweep a car away.
• Secure Outdoor Items: High winds can turn loose items into dangerous projectiles. Secure patio furniture, trash cans, umbrellas, and other outdoor decorations.
• Prepare for Potential Power Outages: Charge your cell phones and other essential mobile devices. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries handy. Avoid using candles for emergency lighting due to fire risks.
• Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines: Never touch or go near downed utility lines, as they may still be live and highly dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to your local utility provider.
• Check on Neighbors: If safe to do so, check on vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family members—especially the elderly or those with functional needs—to ensure they are safe and prepared.

For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov.