Wind advisory for Long Island as some lose power

A wind advisory is in effect early Thursday for Long Island, as sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph could gust up to 55 mph, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service said the advisory is in effect until 7 a.m.

The high winds could bring down small tree limbs, causing power outages, the weather service said. As of 5 a.m. Thursday, nearly 7,000 Long Island Power Authority customers were without power. Many of those affected reside in Brookhaven (1,969) and Huntington (1,308), according to LIPA's website.

The wind and rain also has affected this morning's commute on the Long Island Rail Road. Customers on the Ronkonkoma branch should anticipate 10 to 15 minute delays in both directions between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma due to weather-related crossing gate damage, the MTA said.

Thursday will be sunny and cooler, with a high near 48.