LI, NYC commutes impacted by strong winds, heavy rain

A powerful storm, forecast to dump up to 6 inches of rain across Long Island and buffeted by “strong to damaging winds,” continued drenching the region early Monday, with more of both expected through the morning commute.

By daybreak, Long Island has been spared any major damage, authorities across the region reported.

A high-wind warning remains in effect, however, through 11 a.m. Monday. Wind gusts could top 55 mph, the National Weather Service said. A flood watch continues until 1 p.m.

Early Monday morning, there were reports of flooding on NY 25 in both directions in the vicinity of Elwood Road in Huntington, with all lanes blocked, according to the state transportation department’s 511 system. The northbound Sagtikos State Parkway also experienced flooding at Exit S2 — Crooked Hill Road; Pilgrim Psychiatric Hospital (Islip), where the entrance ramp is blocked.

Flooding was also reported on several major roadways used by Long Island commuters and others in New York City, including in Queens, on the Long Island Expressway, Exit 22B — Van Wyck Expwy I-678 / College Point Blvd.

“Most of the rain will fall in a 12 hour period through early Monday AM,” said the weather service in a storm update Sunday. Up to 6 inches of rain is forecast before the storm clears Long Island, according to the update.

The wet, windy conditions could lead to a challenging Monday morning commute across the region, officials said. The potential for thunderstorms continues through 11 a.m. After that, there is a chance of showers until Monday night, when it will be mostly clear. The high Monday will hit 46 degrees, dropping to 29 at night.

Through Monday afternoon “across much of the area, widespread minor urban and riverine flooding is expected into with a localized to scattered flash flood threat,” the weather service said.
The winds have the potential to topple trees, down power lines and trigger scattered power outages, the weather service said. Gusts of between 45 and 55 mph are forecast through Monday morning with afternoon gusts of 50 mph possible.

On Sunday, the NICE Bus officials advised commuters to expect delays. Riders should allow for extra time and check ahead for delays before leaving, said officials with the Nassau Inter-County Express bus system.

PSEG Long Island's online map showed 34 power outages affecting 780 customers as of 11 p.m. Sunday.

By 6:30 a.m. Monday, that number was down to 18 outages affecting 73 customers in Roslyn, Williston Park, Old Westbury, Farmingdale and on each of the Twin Forks.

The Nassau and Suffolk police departments had no reports of widespread flooding, wind damage or crashes due to the storm as of early Monday. There were scattered reports of trees down and isolated pockets of flooding.

The New York City Emergency Management Department issued a travel advisory for Sunday and Monday. Heavy rain could cause dangerous road conditions. Commuters shouldn't drive or walk on roads or sidewalks covered by water. New Yorkers are urged to limit travel and stay indoors, especially during the times of heaviest rain and wind, according to the advisory.

As of early Sunday night, area airports had not reported any flight delays.

A citywide flood watch is in effect through 6 a.m. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has placed a ban on empty tractor trailers and tandem trucks entering New York City bridges and tunnels, also through 6 a.m.

Similar to the rain, the peak winds will likely occur overnight and taper off Monday, said National Weather Service meteorologist James Tomasini.

“But it will remain gusty through Monday afternoon,” Tomasini said. “We’re still looking like 30-to-40 mile-per-hour gusts.”

Tuesday and Wednesday highs are forecast to top out in the mid-40s under sunny skies. The low will dip to 35 on Tuesday night and 27 overnight Wednesday.