Nor'easter Set To Slam LI Friday With Higher Wind, Rainfall Totals Expected: What To Know

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island is bracing for the first nor-easter to slam the region this season — and according to the most recent forecast, even higher amounts of rain and more fierce winds are expected.

"We are expecting a pretty significant coastal storm to impact the area through the weekend," said Brian Ciemnecki, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office in Upton. "Obviously, the coastline will be most impacted."

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Strong winds, rain, coast flooding, a high rip current risk, and beach erosion are all expected, he said.

Winds out of north to northeast will be gusting 40 to 55 miles per hour or so through early Sunday morning before beginning to taper off, Ciemnecki said.

The strongest gusts in the New York region are expected across Long Island, especially toward the East End, he added.

"Given the fact that you're looking at the wind kind of gusting for a prolonged period of time, along with wet ground from the rainfall, there is the potential to bring down trees and power lines. We can't rule out power outages," he said.

Rainfall across Long Island is expected to range from 3 to 4 inches, with isolated areas perhaps seeing 5 inches, he said.

Peak winds will start pounding Long Island Friday night and continue to increase, with the highest impacts during the day Saturday, Ciemnecki said.

"This is a prolonged event," he said. "Be prepared for potential power outages, high winds, trees down and, if you live along the South Shore anywhere near the water, the potential for coastal flooding. iI you need to evacuate get out. Have a plan and be ready to leave — and heed the advice from local officials," Ciemnecki said.