Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hazardous rip currents and coastal flooding in Nassau and Suffolk counties struck the area due to a strong nor'easter.
A coastal flood warning is also in effect from Friday evening through Saturday evening. The coastal flood warning calls for 1 to 2 feet of inundation in vulnerable locations.
"We're keeping roadways clear, addressing flooding and working overtime to keep you safe during the nor'easter," Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said on Saturday.
Town of Hempstead officialcials said that at lesast 19 trees were felled.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declated a state of emergency for both Nassau and Suffolk counties on Friday..
On Saturday, she had a strong warning for people going into or near the water as she said it is, "literally gambling with their life."
The flooding affected roads, parking lots, parks, lawns and homes and businesses with basements near the waterfront. Road closures are possible, and vehicles parked in vulnerable areas could become flooded, according to the weather service.
Beach flooding and erosion are likely Friday into the weekend.
Village of Atlantic Beach Mayor Barry Frohlinger urged residents to take action prior to the storm including: securing outside property, moving vehicles to higher ground, preparing for flooding and power outages and staying off the beaches.
"If your home has flooded before, move belongings up from basements and ground-level storage now. Never walk or drive through floodwater," Frohlinger wrote in an email. "Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot can sweep a car away."
The weather service is warning that life-threatening rip currents are likely for anyone entering the surf zone. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the surf, as rip currents can pull even experienced swimmers away from shore and into deeper water.
Those who must travel should allow extra time and be prepared for possible road closures. Motorists should not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
Residents in flood-prone areas are also advised to take steps to protect their property.
Blakeman said on Friday areas of concern in Nassau County are communities along the South Shore, from Atlantic Beach to East Rockaway to Massapequa. More severe weather effects are expected in Long Beach, Lido Beach and Freeport. Some North Shore communities are expected to experience moderate effects, primarily Port Washington and Bayville.
He recommended that people charge their phones and battery packs in the event of power outages. Electric vehicles are susceptible to fire if they get wet, Blakeman said, and he recommended moving cars off the street or to higher ground.
"Make sure you have charged flashlights, fresh batteries, and portable phone chargers," Frohlinger wrote. "Use flashlights, not candles. Report outages and downed power lines to PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0075, and stay far away from any downed line."
PSEG Long Island is prepared to handle power outages this weekend.
“PSEG Long Island is the most reliable overhead electric service provider in New York State, and we are prepared to respond to any outages the storm may bring,” Michael Sullivan, vice president of Electric Operations at PSEG Long Island, said in a news release “We continue to monitor this weather system and have performed system and logistic checks to ensure any customers who may be affected will have their power restored safely and as quickly as possible.”
Text 333-111 for realtime updates.
