Officials Warn of Flooding, Damaging Winds From Weekend Storm

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and his Nassau County counterpart, Bruce Blakeman, urged Long Islanders to prepare for a potentially damaging nor’easter expected to bring heavy rain, winds topping 50 mph and significant coastal flooding through the weekend.

“This storm will be more impactful than previously thought,” Blakeman said during a joint briefing Friday at Suffolk County’s Office of Emergency Management in Yaphank.

Romaine described the storm as a “serious rain event,” warning of flooding in low-lying areas, downed trees and power outages. He said Suffolk could see wind gusts approaching 50 mph and substantial beach erosion, including at Smith Point.

The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Long Island, with moderate to major flooding possible. Up to two to three feet of inundation could occur in particularly vulnerable waterfront areas, with some of the worst flooding expected around Saturday morning’s high tide. A full moon Saturday could further elevate tides.

Residents in flood-prone communities should move vehicles to higher ground and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Outdoor furniture, garbage cans and other loose objects should be secured before winds increase. Residents should also charge phones, keep flashlights and batteries available and report outages to PSEG Long Island.

Blakeman said Nassau’s South Shore, including Lido Beach and Freeport, could see particularly severe impacts, while flooding and wind damage are also possible along the North Shore.

Suffolk has suspended beachfront camping and outer-beach driving, with tent camping and campfires also restricted during the storm.

Officials warned residents to stay away from beaches and dangerous surf, avoid downed wires and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. With strong winds expected to continue through the weekend, officials stressed that preparations should be completed before conditions deteriorate.

The best advice from the county executives: “Just stay home.”