Thunderstorms may lead to flooding Tuesday

Heavy rainfall, flooding and dangerous rip currents are all in the forecast for Long Island Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

There is a significant chance of afternoon showers developing into late-afternoon thunderstorms, bringing the potential for flooding, forecasters said. Rain at the rate of 1 to 2 inches an hour is possible for "brief periods of time," the weather service said.

But that doesn't mean water restrictions in place because of the lack of rain have been lifted - or will be anytime soon.

The Suffolk County Water Authority has asked East End customers to reduce water usage and avoid all nonessential use of water. The same is true for some Suffolk and Nassau water suppliers, like the Greenlawn Water District and Long Island American Water Co. They have asked for cutbacks on nonessential water use since July 6.

The weather service predicts that in addition to heavy rains Tuesday afternoon, showers and thunderstorms may also be in store for Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Nevertheless, temperatures will still reach into the upper 80s both days and crack the 90-degree mark again on Friday, forecasters said.

Rain and temperatures in the upper 80s are expected again Saturday.