Long Island forecast: Storms, gusty winds tonight

Powerful winds and thunderstorms are in the Long Island forecast for the rest of Thursday afternoon and into the night, with potential for damaging gusts and heavy rain, the National Weather Service said.

The weather service issued a hazardous weather outlook at 3:15 p.m. for northern Nassau and western Suffolk that will continue through Thursday night.

"Strong to severe" thunderstorms could hit Long Island between 9 p.m. and midnight, the weather service said. Wind gusts higher than 58 mph are possible, as is "localized flooding of urban and poor drainage areas."

That chance for tornadoes is "not entirely ruled out," the weather service said.

As of about 4:30 p.m., the temperature was about 56 degrees, dipping to 46 after dark.

Then Friday, there is a 30% chance of more rain.

"Otherwise, the day should be mostly dry. Winds will however remain out of the west and continue to be breezy, generally 15-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph," the weather service said.

Highs in the upper 50s are predicted.

Saturday will be sunny and cooler, with highs in the low 50s, the weather service said.

There is a chance of rain again on Sunday, and highs should be around 50 degrees, the weather service said.

Monday will be sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Some rain showers are possible Monday night, the weather service said.

Similar weather is forecast for Tuesday, and showers overnight could continue into Wednesday, when temperatures are again expected to be in the mid-50s, the weather service said.