New York officials are preparing for a strong coastal storm expected to impact much of the state starting Sunday afternoon. Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to take precautions as the storm, which has strengthened while moving up the mid-Atlantic coast, is forecast to bring significant coastal flooding, strong winds, and prolonged rainfall to Downstate New York.
“As this strong coastal storm approaches, New Yorkers need to heed the precautionary measures and monitor their local forecasts,” Governor Hochul said. “With high wind warnings and flood risks, staying alert, vigilant and taking steps to prepare is crucial for everyone’s safety. Our state agencies are at-the-ready to assist New Yorkers from any impacts the strong coastal storm will bring.”
Utility companies have responded by adding more than 1,600 workers in the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island regions. Con Edison, Orange and Rockland, PSEG Long Island, Central Hudson Gas and Electric, and NYSEG are all monitoring forecasts and preparing for potential service disruptions. These preparations include activating incident command centers, staging equipment, contacting critical customers such as those with life support equipment, and readying crews for overnight operations where conditions allow.
Statewide, approximately 7,118 utility workers are available for damage assessment and restoration efforts if needed. Since Friday alone, ConEd and Orange and Rockland added 900 workers; PSEG LI added 520; NYSEG added 198; Central Hudson added 44.
The National Weather Service has issued Coastal Flood Warnings for Long Island, New York City, and Southern Westchester County from noon Sunday through 8 p.m. Monday. The south shore bays of Nassau and southwestern Suffolk counties could see moderate to major flooding during high tides until Monday. Minor to moderate flooding remains possible along other parts of the coastline with risks of dune erosion on Atlantic beaches.
A High Wind Warning is in effect for much of Suffolk County from noon Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. A Wind Advisory covers the rest of Long Island as well as New York City and Southern Westchester County during this period. Gusts may reach up to 60 miles per hour with potential for downed trees and power outages. Due to these conditions, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will ban empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks on its seven bridges starting at 3:00 p.m. Sunday until about 6:00 p.m. Monday.
Rainfall totals in the lower Mid-Hudson region as well as New York City and Long Island may reach between 1.5 to 3 inches by Monday evening. Northern areas could see up to 1.5 inches while other parts of the state should expect an inch or less of rain.
State agencies are coordinating their responses:
– The Division of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Management is prepared to deploy assets as needed.
– The Department of Transportation has over 3,400 supervisors/operators statewide ready to respond with dump trucks, loaders, chippers, pumps, bucket trucks, vacuum trucks with sewer jets among other equipment.
– The Thruway Authority has over 650 operators/supervisors prepared with dump trucks, loaders, generators, light units and chainsaws.
– State Police have extra patrols ready in affected areas with four-wheel drive vehicles in service.
– The Department of Environmental Conservation is coordinating resource deployment with partner agencies.
– State Parks staff have reinforced sand berms at Jones Beach State Park and placed sandbags around vulnerable buildings.
– The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is monitoring weather impacts on transit services with crews ready to address fallen trees or flooded tracks.
– The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is issuing travel alerts as needed across its facilities.
Officials advise residents not to drive on flooded roads or underestimate fast-moving water’s danger—two feet can float a car—and recommend turning off appliances during outages except one light as an indicator when power returns.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates via alerts.weather.gov or sign up for emergency text alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
For additional safety information during severe weather events or power outages visit www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.
