Hurricane Dorian is bringing wind gusts and rain to Long Island as the storm passes southeast of the region this weekend, forecasters and officials warned.
Upton-based National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook, high surf advisory, coastal flood advisory, and rip current statement for Nassau and Suffolk counties and parts due to Dorian passing by, although impacts are expected to be felt most on the East End as the storm passes about 300 miles southeast of LI.
Dorian peaked as a category five storm with 185 mph winds — making it among the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record — as it stalled over the weekend in the Bahamas, where it has claimed at least 30 lives. It was slowly heading westbound when it stopped short of making landfall in Florida and turned north. It weakened to a category one with 110 mph winds Friday as the storm’s massive eye became less organized and made landfall over the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran urged residents to be prepared, just in case the storm track changes for the worse.
“Hurricane Dorian is a serious storm, and although current predictions indicate it will pass east of Long Island, we’re remaining vigilant in the coming days to prepare for potential forecast changes,” Curran said. “I urge all residents — especially those in low-lying areas — to make a plan with your family so you are prepared should Dorian, or any other storm, affect Nassau County.”
Local government and utility crews are battening down the hatches, staffing up emergency management teams, and coordinating with New York State agencies and the Red Cross, just in case.
Officials also issued a reminder that residents should create an emergency preparedness kit with food and water, batteries, medications, important documents, and other basic supplies for each family member to last at least three days.
Residents are also urged to know their evacuation route if they live in a flood zone, create a family evacuation plan, keep a list of emergency numbers, check on elderly or disabled neighbors, make sure all leaks and repairs are secure on your home, and if a storm is predicted, remove any loose items from your yard.
