Long Beach gets ready as Hermine threatens South Shore

The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning on Saturday as Hermine sets its sights on the New York area, and Long Beach officials are preparing for potential flooding and beach erosion.

"Unfortunately, in the next couple of days, we see some potential serious weather coming in, and we're doing everything we need to do to prepare," City Manager Jack Schnirman told News 12.

Schnirman added that the city has seen infrastructure upgrades in the years since Hurricane Sandy and is better prepared, but emphasized that the barrier island remains vulnerable as major projects move forward.

City officials are monitoring Tropical Storm Hermine as it makes its way up the East Coast, and said they are preparing for potential heavy rain and possible flooding in low-lying areas into early next week.

"We are continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Hermine as it moves up the East Coast, and while we hope for the best, now is the time to prepare for whatever comes our way," the city said on its website. "We are coordinating with all levels of government, utilities, among other agencies, as we prepare for potential flooding in low-lying areas as early as Sunday morning, and the storm may stick around as late as Wednesday."

The city said that crews are making sure that storm drains are clear and functioning properly, and that sand will be moved onto the beach to close off and secure openings between the dunes and along boardwalk.

The city's beaches were open to swimmers on Saturday, and Schnirman encouraged residents and visitors alike to take advantage of what could likely be the last good day of the weekend.

"Everybody is out and about, and things are calm here for the most part," resident Joe Sinnona said on Facebook, as he stood on the boardwalk. "People on the mainland are bracing themselves for a storm."

Hermine could deliver a widespread storm surge and flooding to the South Shore, along with winds in the 30- to 40-mph range with 55 mph gusts Sunday into Monday, the National Weather Service said.

The peak storm surge, the agency said, is Sunday afternoon, with the potential for a one to three foot surge in flood prone areas.

Calling it a “reasonable worst-case scenario,” the weather service said Friday morning it has “increasing confidence” that widespread moderate to “possibly major” coastal flooding could start with Sunday morning and afternoon high tides, Newsday reported.

A high risk for rip current and beach erosion is also expected through the weekend and into next week.

“If you are in an area that typically floods, we encourage you to take this opportunity to protect your belongings just in case,” the city advised residents. “Those in flood-prone areas may also want to relocate their vehicles to higher ground and secure any loose objects such as outdoor furniture.”

The city said it would provide updates over the next few days and if the weather intensifies. It encouraged residents to review the city’s preparedness guide for important tips and information at www.longbeachny.gov.

The Town of Hempstead is preparing by testing tree removal equipment, checking storm drain clearing trucks, preparing street sweepers, moving equipment to higher ground and tracking the storm’s progress. Five Towns villages are getting ready as well.

The new BeReadyLI.org is up and running just ahead of the possible storm that could take aim at the area this holiday weekend. The website is set up by the United Way of Long Island, Long Island 211 and PSEG Long Island to help locals before, during and after a storm.