Nor'easter Countdown: See Timeline As Residents Brace For Storm

LONG ISLAND, NY — As the clock ticks toward the first nor'easter of the season to slam Long Island, the forecast is beginning to take shape.

According to Dave Radell, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Upton, as of Thursday morning, the forecast has shifted toward the possibility of stronger winds and rainfall, mostly for Suffolk County and especially on the East End.

Peak wind gusts on the East End will likely be in the 40-mile-per hour range Friday night and even close to 50 mph or higher, he said.

On the East End, rainfall amounts could total 2 to 3 and 3 1/4 inches during the storm, which is expected to be of "longer duration" and stretch through the weekend, he said.

Further west across Long Island, winds of about 24 mph are expected, with gusts of up to 40 mph — and about 1.5 inches of rain.

The storm could pick up in intensity on Friday during the evening commute and continue into Saturday afternoon, tapering off a bit on Sunday, Radell said.

Coastal flooding is expected, and a rip current risk is in effect until Friday afternoon, the NWS said. A coastal flood advisory is in effect Thursday night, with a coastal flood watch taking effect Friday night into Saturday.

Here's a look at the forecast, according to the NWS:

Thursday afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy, with a northeast wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Thursday night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Breezy, with a northeast wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of showers before 11 a.m., then a chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a north wind around 24 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday night

Showers likely, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Breezy, with a north wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday

Showers. High near 64. Windy, with a north wind 25 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday night

Showers. Low around 53. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Sunday

Showers. High near 65. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent

PSEG Long Island preparing for storm:

PSEG Long Island said it is prepared for a developing offshore system predicted to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Long Island and the Rockaways beginning Friday and lasting through the weekend.

Peak wind gusts Friday evening through Saturday could reach 55 mph, strong enough to potentially topple trees, bring down branches on wires and cause outages, PSEG Long Island said.

PSEG Long Island said it has personnel ready to respond safely and as quickly as possible throughout the storm.

"PSEG Long Island is the most reliable overhead electric service provider in New York State, and we are prepared to respond to any outages the storm may bring," said Michael Sullivan, vice president of Electric Operations at PSEG Long Island. "We continue to monitor this weather system and have performed system and logistic checks to ensure any customers who may be affected will have their power restored safely and as quickly as possible."

PSEG Long Island encourages customers to take the time now to prepare, ahead of a weather event — including knowing how to report an outage and how to stay safe and connected to PSEG Long Island during winter weather. For safety reasons, field crews are unable to make repairs during periods of high winds.

Customer Safety:

• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay as far away as possible from them, and do not drive over or stand near them. To report a downed wire, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour electric service number at 800-490-0075 or call 911.
• Electric current passes easily through water. If you encounter a pool of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
• Never use a generator or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.

Stay connected:

• Download the PSEG Long Island mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.

• Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454). You can also report your outage through our app or on the website here.

• To report an outage or downed wire, you can also call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour electric service number at 800-490-0075.
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm.
• Visit PSEG Long Island’s MyPower map for the latest in outage info, restoration times and crew locations across Long Island and the Rockaways.