New York, NY – The National Weather Service has upgraded several weather alerts as a powerful coastal storm moves toward the region, expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding from Sunday through Monday, coinciding with the Columbus Day holiday.
According to the NWS New York office, Storm and Gale Watches for the Atlantic waters and New York Harbor have been upgraded to Warnings. A High Wind Watch has also been extended through noon Monday, with gusts over 50 mph possible, particularly across eastern Long Island and coastal New York City.
Forecasters warn of moderate to locally major coastal flooding along the south shore bays of Nassau and southwestern Suffolk counties during high tides Sunday night into Monday. Other coastal zones face minor to moderate flooding and dune erosion, with localized overwash possible along oceanfront beaches.
Rainfall totals of 1.5 to 3 inches are expected, with the highest near the coast, which could cause poor drainage flooding in low-lying urban areas. Marine conditions will remain dangerous, with storm and gale-force winds over coastal waters.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid flood-prone areas, and monitor local updates at weather.gov/okx.
