Nor’easter Set To Hammer Suffolk

A Suffolk County Community College professor is sounding a dire warning as a powerful nor’easter bears down on Long Island, threatening Suffolk County with days of punishing winds, pounding surf and potentially major coastal flooding.

Scott A. Mandia, professor of physical sciences at Suffolk County Community College, warned the storm’s track has become increasingly troubling.

“Looks like the storm is tracking much closer to the coast and may even back up toward the coast,” Mandia said. “That means a longer duration, higher wind speeds, and heavier rain.”

Mandia said the timing could make matters worse.

“Combined with a full moon Saturday, this sets up for MAJOR coastal flooding, particularly the south shore, any bays, esp. Peconic, and western LI sound as the easterly winds keep pushing water from east to west.”

His starkest warning: “These types of storms cause far more coastal damage than a hurricane due to the many hours of pounding surf. It will take quite awhile to recover from this one.”

The National Weather Service is calling the system an “early season nor’easter” bringing a prolonged stretch of strong winds and rain. Coastal Flood Warnings cover large portions of Suffolk through Sunday, while a Wind Advisory is in effect across Long Island. The NWS warned of gusts reaching roughly 55 mph and surf as high as 9 to 15 feet in portions of Suffolk. Marine Weather

With Suffolk bracing for the blow, first responders are telling residents to prepare before conditions deteriorate.

Suffolk County Police Lt. Brian Rasiak urged residents to secure garbage cans and outdoor furniture, bring pets inside, charge phones and stock flashlights and batteries.

“You’re going to want to get to the gas station early, fill up your cars, make sure you have a full tank of gas,” Rasiak said, while also recommending residents stock several days of food and water.

The Center Moriches Fire Department urged residents to stay away from flooded roads, beaches, docks, downed wires and storm debris, saying firefighters will monitor conditions and remain ready to respond.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office similarly urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and check on neighbors. ' Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne said emergency crews are already mobilizing and coordinating across county lines ahead of the nor’easter.

“Our first responders, FRES and OEM teams are hard at work preparing for the upcoming storm,” Thorne said. “Suffolk County is working closely with Nassau County and our regional partners to make sure we’re ready.”

Thorne said public safety remains the focus as officials track the storm.

“Our top priority is keeping all residents safe and prepared as the storm approaches,” Thorne said. “We’ll continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.”

Legislator Rebecca Sanin urged residents to text “Suffolk Alerts” to 67283 for emergency notifications.

“Everybody stay safe, check on your neighbors, and let’s get through this together,” Sanin said.

County Executive Ed Romaine also announced restrictions at Suffolk County parks, including suspensions of beachfront camping and outer-beach driving as officials monitor the storm.

The threat is already becoming visible: coastal flooding was reported in Lindenhurst during Thursday’s high tide, even before the storm’s main impacts arrived.