Governor Kathy Hochul requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump to support the recovery efforts of communities impacted by a nor’easter that produced coastal flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds across downstate regions on September 26 and 27, 2026. If granted by the federal government, this declaration would provide federal recovery funding for Nassau and Suffolk Counties as they continue to recover from the storm.
“September’s coastal storm was just the latest in a series of severe weather to impact downstate, and I thank our first responders and emergency management officials for their efforts to keep New Yorkers safe throughout the storm,” Governor Hochul said. “I will always fight for every resource available to help our communities recover and rebuild following a storm, and that is why I’m requesting a Major Disaster Declaration to secure federal assistance for Nassau and Suffolk Counties."
A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to eligible local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.
Following a disaster, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' (DHSES) Office of Disaster Recovery Programs works directly with counterparts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and impacted local governments to assess damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the State and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration. FEMA and DHSES concluded the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) and FEMA validated the damages are above the State threshold for requesting Federal Assistance.
September’s nor’easter produced gale force winds over 80 mph, causing major coastal flooding, downed trees and power lines, beach erosion and infrastructure damage, particularly on Long Island and in New York City. The coastal storm, which coincided with a full moon, produced more than three feet of flood inundation in several areas during multiple high tide cycles. The low-pressure system’s slow movement across the area caused pounding waves to strip vulnerable shorelines of sand across Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens. Portions of Long Island’s coast lost four feet or more of sand. Widespread rainfall of two to four inches, and in some locations over six inches, caused flash flooding in low-lying areas and exacerbated the coastal flooding and wind impacts. The severe weather brought down more than 1,150 trees and 580 large branches which took down utility poles and electric wires across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
Get real time emergency and weather alert texts delivered directly to your phone. Text your county or borough of residence to 333111 to enroll now. Learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
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