Severe weather predicted for today

With the prediction of severe thunderstorms for today and possibly through the weekend, the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management issued a daily situation report for July 26.

According to the National Weather Service’s 5-day forecast, thunderstorms are predicted up until Monday.

The OEM report states that there is a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall being the main threats. Large hail is also possible, and while an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out just yet, a chance of tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 48 hours.

New York State Office of Emergency Management Director Steven Kuhr said, "Families and individuals should have an emergency kit and an emergency plan in place. Your emergency kit should include items such as non-perishable food, water, a portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Pay attention to Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages that carry local information and emergency orders, such as evacuation or travel restrictions. If emergency orders are issued, do not hesitate – take immediate action."

There is also a high rip current risk and lightning risk that remains in effect through the evening for Atlantic Ocean beaches of Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. Surf height is at 2 to 3 inches for the morning, building to 3 to 7 inches in the afternoon.

Chief of Lifeguards Paul Gillespie said that as of 3 p.m., there were no plans to close any beaches.

“Right now the water is not too bad,” he said. “It actually looks like it’s a great beach day.”

Gillespie said he heard that the rain is expected to start after 5 p.m. and that, “It’s very rare when we close the water — only when we get really big surf and the rip currents are up. Usually if the rip currents are up, which they very well can be without big surf, we tend to do a lot more preventative lifeguarding. We always work hard, but we work a little harder then.”