Storm could lash Long Island Thursday and into Friday before temps rise to 50s

Coastal flooding, heavy rains and damaging winds could all befall Long Island Thursday evening through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency issued a wind advisory from midnight on Thursday through midnight on Friday. Sustained winds will exceed 20 mph and could gust up to 45 mph on both days, according to the advisory. The winds could scatter unsecured objects, down tree limbs and cause power outages.

“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.” the NWS advisory said. “Use extra caution.”

The weather service forecast a 90% chance of rain Thursday night into Friday morning. Thunderstorms are also possible Friday morning.

The rain “is going to be moderate to locally heavy at times early Friday morning and then tapering off as we get into the afternoon,” meteorologist David Stark with the weather service’s Upton office told Newsday.

While Friday afternoon will be dry, heavy winds will persist into the night.

The stormy weather, combined with high tide and drains clogged with leaves or snow, could result in minor urban flooding during the Friday morning commute, according to the weather service. Coastal flooding is also possible along the western portion of the Great South Bay.

“There’s a chance that some of the more vulnerable locations could see at least some minor coastal flooding … minor beach erosion,” Stark said.

Temperatures will soar into the low 50s Thursday, before dropping into the upper 40s at night. They will then climb again toward the mid-50s on Friday before plummeting to the upper 20s, the NWS said.

Long Islanders can expect a more temperate weekend, with sun and clouds and temperatures in the mid- to upper 40s, according to the weather service.