Monster Storms of Long Island: 10 of the biggest hurricanes, blizzards and weather events to hit LI

Updated October 27, 2023

Superstorm Sandy tore across Long Island 10 years ago, bringing 30-foot high waves and destruction from which many locals are still recovering.

While Sandy may have been the most damaging storm in our history, it certainly wasn't the first. From the legendary "Long Island Express" to more than 33 inches of snow in the blizzard of 2013, Long Islanders have weathered it all.

NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn and meteorologist Bill Korbel look back at more than a century of Monster Storms of Long Island.

#10: A mega snowstorm that killed 6 people

During the blizzard of 2016, snowfall rates approached 6" per hour. Roads were closed and the LIRR shut down in the storm that ultimately killed 6 Long Islanders.

#9: The hurricane that made Montauk an island — briefly

After Carol made landfall on the East End, Montauk was turned into an island for several days as local roads were submerged. Boats sank in at the Yacht Club. There was $5 million in property damage.

#8: More than a foot of rain broke state records

Islip broke a state 24-hour rainfall record with 13.57 inches. There was extreme flooding on Sunrise Highway with cars submerged and floating. Hundreds of motorists were stranded.

#7: 2 feet of snow and 75 mph winds in 1978

Long Island was paralyzed when more than 2 feet of snow fell. Ronkonkoma got 24" and there were 75 mph winds. It took days to dig out.

#6: 420,000 PSEG customers in the dark during COVID

The storm toppled thousands of trees, blocking roads and causing widespread outages amid high heat and humidity. Gov. Cuomo declared a State of Emergency for Long Island.

#5: Hundreds of cars abandoned in almost 3 feet of snow

Medford got 33.5 inches of snow. Roads were impassable and hundreds of cars were abandoned on local roadways. 26 miles of the LIE were closed. Flights were cancelled.

#4: Reagan declares LI a disaster area after Gloria

The last hurricane where the eye hit Long Island. There were 11 deaths on LI due mostly to falling trees. There was $285 million in damage. 750,000 had no power for weeks.

#3: The forecast said light rain. What came was a 'once in 500-year storm.'

The forecast was for 50 degrees and light rain when the legendary Blizzard of 1888 arrived. There was more than 30 inches snow on LI with drifts to 40 feet. Hundreds of people died.

#2: Sandy: The most damaging storm in Long Island history

30-foot waves off shore. 90% of Long Island lost power. Historic flooding and beach erosion. All MTA bridges and tunnels, parkways and airports were closed and the LIRR was suspended. 13 people died.

#1: The legendary hurricane that killed 52 on LI and came without warning

The ocean entered the bay. The bay entered the creek. The creek headed straight into Westhampton Beach. More than a hundred homes on Dune Road simply washed away.