High Wind Warning, Flood Watch Issued On LI: NWS

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island is expected to see high winds and flooding threats Sunday as a storm sweeps through the area.

According to the National Weather Service on Sunday, a high wind warning was issued for Suffolk County and is in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday through 11 a.m. Monday morning.

Southwest winds from 25 miles per hour through 35 miles per hour are expected, with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour possible, the NWS said.

Impacts could include damaging winds that could blow down trees and power lines. "Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the NWS said. "People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive."

According to James Tomasini, meteorologist for the NWS office in Upton, a high wind advisory is also in effect for Nassau County with gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour expected, and up to 55 miles per hour along the coast.

A flood watch is in effect for all of Long Island, Tomasini said, with 3 to 5 inches of rain expected and up to 6 inches possibly locally. Residents should expect possible flash flooding through Sunday night and into Monday morning.

The rain will remain scattered through Sunday afternoon and become widespread by late afternoon, continuing through the morning, Tomasini said.

"Residents should look out for any flash flooding and stay off any flooded roads," he said.