The remnants of a tropical storm churning up the East Coast could dump up to 4 inches of rain on Long Island through Saturday, meteorologists said.
A flash flood watch has been issued for LI from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, according to the Upton-based National Weather Service. The heaviest rain should subside by the time horses sprint out of the gates for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.
“The biggest thing we’re concerned about is heavy rain,” said NWS meteorologist David Stark. “Most of the wind is going to remain off shore.”
Showers are forecast Thursday evening with more widespread rain arriving Friday, meteorologists said. The heaviest rain is expected Friday afternoon.
Forecasters are predicting between 2 to 4 inches of rain, with maximum hourly rates possibly reaching 1 to 2 inches. Widespread rain should end around 5 a.m. Saturday
The rain could lead to flash flooding of urban and poor drainage areas, the NWS said.
Tropical Storm Andrea, the first major storm of the season, is made landfall in Florida on Thursday, but will lose steam as it moves up the coast, meteorologists said.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season kicked off June 1 and runs through Nov. 1.
