More than 28,000 power outages were reported across New York in the state's Saturday coastal-storm update, as strong winds and dangerous surf threatened Long Island, New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson region. Officials warned that outages could rise and that vulnerable shorelines could see up to 3.5 feet of flooding.
Gov. Kathy Hochul's Sept. 26 update reported more than 12,000 outages in Suffolk County and 8,000 in Nassau County. The storm emergency covers Long Island, New York City and Westchester County, and the state Emergency Operations Center has been activated.
The update follows the state's earlier emergency declaration and preparations for the same storm. The hazards extend beyond New York City into Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley, with state agencies making personnel and equipment available statewide.
Flooding and wind risks persist into Sunday
The state reported gusts exceeding 40 to 45 mph across Long Island and parts of New York City, with isolated peaks above 50 mph. Its Saturday forecast warned of localized gusts up to 60 mph, especially on eastern Long Island, before winds gradually weaken Sunday morning.
Fully leafed trees and winds from the relatively uncommon north-northeast direction could worsen damage, officials said. Scattered to widespread tree damage and outages were expected on eastern Long Island, with the risk decreasing toward New York City and the Mid-Hudson. Isolated outages could extend into the southern Capital Region.
Minor coastal flooding had already been observed along Nassau County's south shore. Moderate to locally major flooding remained possible at high tides through Sunday night, especially along southern Queens, Nassau and southwestern Suffolk. The state forecast 1 to 2 feet of inundation, with up to 3.5 feet in vulnerable areas, potentially making shoreline roads impassable. Minor coastal flooding could continue Monday.
The Saturday update placed the heaviest rain early Sunday, with localized rates around an inch per hour. It forecast widespread totals of 1 to 3 inches across the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island, with localized totals of 4 to 6 inches most likely on eastern Long Island. Bands could also produce higher totals in the southern Capital Region.
Officials warned of ponding in low-lying areas and isolated to scattered flash flooding downstate, particularly where coastal flooding overwhelms drainage. Those downstate hazards should not be read as a forecast of the same conditions throughout the Finger Lakes.
Dangerous rip currents, high surf and beach erosion remain concerns. In her Saturday briefing, Hochul warned of waves reaching 20 feet in some areas and urged people to stay out of and away from the water. That figure is not a uniform shoreline-surf forecast.
Utility and emergency crews respond
The state reported 5,805 utility workers available for response, repairs and restoration, including 305 overhead mutual-aid contractors secured by Con Edison. Those figures replace the smaller staffing totals in the earlier preparation announcement.
Hochul's morning briefing had reported about 22,000 outages; the separate Saturday update reported more than 28,000. These are different snapshots during a developing storm, not a claim that either total remains unchanged Sunday.
In the briefing, Hochul said Long Island utilities had 900 workers and another 500 ready to deploy as needed. State Public Service staff are monitoring restoration and coordinating infrastructure safety and road clearing with utilities and partner agencies.
Emergency management staff are embedded with Nassau and Suffolk officials, whose counties opened emergency operations centers. Swift-water rescue teams and high-axle vehicles have been positioned near threatened areas. State stockpiles remain available for local assistance requests, and the State Watch Center monitors conditions around the clock.
The Department of Transportation reported 3,375 supervisors and operators available statewide. Crews have responded to fallen trees, particularly in the Hudson Valley and Long Island, and affected locations will remain staffed around the clock through the storm and priority cleanup.
Available equipment includes 20 sewer-jet vacuum trucks, 91 excavators and 10 tree-crew bucket trucks. State Parks and Environmental Conservation cut-and-toss crews are positioned to help clear debris. A four-member State Parks swift-water rescue team from Western New York is available to assist.
Drivers should treat dark traffic signals as all-way stops, stopping completely and taking turns through intersections. Current road conditions are available by calling 511 or visiting 511NY.
Check transit, flights and park conditions
The state warned of delays and partial suspensions on the Long Island Rail Road's Long Beach branch because of flooding across tracks. Several Queens bus routes were detouring around flooded streets and downed lines. Elevator and escalator specialists are positioned at flood-prone locations.
The previously announced MTA ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks ran from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. Travelers should check current restrictions rather than assume that published end time establishes present conditions. Bridge pedestrian walkways may close in high winds, and riders should consult the MTA and TrainTime apps or MTA service alerts before traveling.
The Port Authority is coordinating with airport operators. Hochul said Saturday that flight delays and cancellations could increase as the storm intensified; air travelers should check their airlines for current status. Thruway travelers can use its mobile app, traffic map or TRANSalert notices.
Jones Beach crews reinforced a sand berm protecting the Central Mall and main boardwalk. Oceanfront parks placed sandbags near vulnerable buildings, removed nonessential beach equipment and checked drainage. Two sawyer crews are available for fallen trees and limbs.
Swimming is not allowed at state park beaches, and many programs in affected areas have been canceled. Check park offices, State Parks or the Parks Explorer app before going. Boaters should stay off the water, wear life jackets when necessary, identify shelter and leave a float plan with someone on shore. Boat owners should secure vessels and loose equipment and ensure bilge pumps work.
Avoid floodwater and downed lines
Residents should avoid beaches, rock jetties and dangerous water, secure outdoor furniture and other loose items, charge phones and keep flashlights and batteries ready. Officials recommend avoiding candles for emergency lighting and moving vehicles from vulnerable low-lying areas when safe.
Never approach or touch downed utility lines, which may remain energized; report them to the utility. Turn around at flooded roads. The state warns that six inches of moving water can cause loss of vehicle control and two feet can sweep a car away. Check vulnerable neighbors and relatives when it is safe.
Municipalities should assess flood-prone areas and remove accumulated debris. DEC authorization generally is not required unless removal disturbs stream banks or beds or uses heavy equipment there. Local officials should consult regional permit administrators; emergency authorizations can expedite work needed to protect life, health, property or natural resources. DEC is also coordinating with the Army Corps of Engineers on coastal resiliency projects.
New Yorkers can receive state weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111. Enable government alerts on phones and check current local forecasts and emergency notices before traveling, because conditions and restrictions can change.
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