Thursday, October 1, 2026
Rockville Centre residents are being urged to prepare for a significant nor’easter expected to bring rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to the area from Friday through Sunday, as state and local officials prepare for potentially hazardous conditions across Long Island.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday for Long Island, New York City and Westchester ahead of the storm. Hochul urged residents to take the storm seriously, stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel, with dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds and potential power outages expected through the weekend.
The storm is expected to strengthen as it moves north along the East Coast, bringing a prolonged period of wind, rain, rough surf and coastal flooding. Southern Nassau County is expected to see hazardous rip currents and coastal flooding, with beach flooding and erosion also possible.
In Rockville Centre, sustained winds of about 25 mph and gusts ranging from 35 to 50 mph are expected from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning, according to the village.
“We hope that this storm will not have any major impact on Rockville Centre, but we are closely monitoring the forecast and taking the necessary precautions to be prepared,” Mayor Francis X. Murray said.
Residents are advised to secure or bring inside loose outdoor items that could become airborne in high winds. Active construction sites should also be properly secured before conditions deteriorate.
The strong winds could lead to power outages, particularly if trees or tree limbs fall onto power lines. The village Electric Department responds to power outages and electric emergencies around the clock.
Murray said he met with village department heads, including the fire chief and police commissioner, to review the forecast and make sure village teams are prepared to respond if needed.
“I encourage residents to take a few simple precautions as well, including securing outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel, and having emergency supplies on hand,” Murray said.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said Friday that the county should expect continuous rain and wind gusts exceeding 50 mph, with downed trees anticipated as strong winds continue through the weekend. He said South Shore communities such as Lido Beach and Freeport are likely to experience more severe impacts, while the North Shore could also see residual effects.
While Rockville Centre is not directly on the South Shore, the village's proximity to coastal communities makes the broader flooding and wind forecast relevant for residents, particularly those traveling toward the South Shore during the storm.
Residents who lose power can report an outage by emailing ElectricOutage@rvcny.us, which is monitored regularly by Electric Department operators and linemen, or by calling 516-766-5800.
Village officials said residents should be aware that response times could be delayed if widespread outages or hazardous conditions affect the area. Crews will respond as quickly and safely as possible.
The storm's coastal impacts are expected to be greatest around high tides, with flooding and erosion concerns continuing through the weekend. Forecasts call for the most significant coastal impacts Saturday into early Sunday before conditions gradually improve.
Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of high winds or heavy rain and to have flashlights, batteries and other emergency supplies available in case of a power outage.
The village is encouraging residents to continue monitoring weather conditions and official communications throughout the weekend. Updates will be available through the free My RVC mobile app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching “My RVC.”
