Nor’easter Slams Long Island With Wind Gusts Near 50 MPH and Heavy Rain as the Storm Drifts Slowly West
Long Island, New York – The nor’easter made for a very windy and rainy early Sunday morning across Long Island, with drivers on the Long Island Expressway battling strong gusts and heavy downpours. As of 4:15 a.m., wind gusts across parts of Long Island were running in the 40s, with some locations approaching 50 mph as the storm continued to spin just off the coast.
Strongest Gusts Along Long Island
The strongest wind gusts in the region were focused over Long Island and the nearby waters. Gusts reached 48 mph in parts of western and central Long Island, while other spots along the island recorded gusts of 47, 45, and 43 mph. Eastern Long Island also saw gusts near 38 mph.
Nearby, gusts of around 46 mph were reported just north of New York City, while the New York City area itself saw gusts near 40 mph.
Gusty Winds Across Connecticut, New England, and New Jersey
Strong winds extended well beyond Long Island. Coastal Connecticut saw gusts in the 30s, while Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts reported gusts in the 30 to 35 mph range, including parts of Cape Cod.
In New Jersey, gusts ranged from the upper 20s to low 30s, with some areas reaching around 33 mph. Winds were lighter farther south, with gusts near 20 mph across Delaware and southern New Jersey.
Storm Moving Slowly West
The storm’s center remains offshore, southeast of Long Island, and is moving slowly west. Its slow pace means the wind and rain could continue for several more hours, keeping conditions rough across the coastal Northeast.
Downpours Spreading Into New England and New Jersey
Heavy rain is also a major concern. Downpours are streaming into southeastern New England and heading south through New Jersey, which could lead to ponding on roads, reduced visibility, and localized flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Travel Safety Tips
Drivers should use extra caution on major roadways like the Long Island Expressway, especially high-profile vehicles that are more easily pushed around by strong crosswinds. Slowing down, keeping extra distance between vehicles, and watching for fallen branches and debris can help prevent accidents. Anyone who comes across a flooded road should turn around and find another route.
Watch for Downed Trees and Power Lines
With gusts this strong, downed trees and power lines are possible across Long Island and the surrounding area. Residents should stay away from any fallen lines and report them to their utility company. Keeping phones charged and flashlights nearby is a good idea in case of power outages.
For more Long Island weather updates and storm alerts, stay with bchssreport.com.