Thursday, October 1, 2026
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke to warn residents of a potentially dangerous storm expected to impact Long Island on July 31 into the early hours of the first day of August.
Forecasts indicate heavy rainfall, widespread power outages and flash flooding are possible as a powerful weather system moves through the area.
Meteorologists have told county officials to expect rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour through 9 p.m. Thursday, with the most intense downpours forecast to last three to four hours.
Though the storm is expected to taper off by midnight, light to moderate rain could persist into Friday morning and prolong flood conditions.
In response, Blakeman activated the county’s Emergency Operations Center and stressed the importance of preparedness and caution.
“A message to all of our residents: stay home this evening unless it’s absolutely necessary for you to go out,” Blakeman said at a Thursday news conference. “The roads could get severely flooded. Do not try to drive through a flooded road. What may appear to be shallow water to you could be 3-4 feet, and that could be a dangerous situation.”
He also called on employers to release non-essential workers early and asked that summer camps dismiss children ahead of worsening road conditions.
To minimize risk, the county’s Office of Emergency Management and Department of Public Works are mobilizing resources. More than 20 high-axle vehicles will be staged in flood-prone areas for emergency response, while pumps and barricades will be used to manage water accumulation and restrict access to dangerous locations.
Residents are advised to shelter at home if possible and to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors once the storm subsides. In case of power outages or downed wires, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour electric service at (800) 490-0075. Officials urge residents never to approach fallen power lines.
Emergency personnel will remain on high alert throughout the storm, and the county will issue updates as conditions evolve. Blakeman also reminded residents not to overwhelm 911 or other emergency lines with non-urgent calls.
