Update (Monday, Sept. 5): The National Weather Service’s latest 5-day forecast calls for a partly sunny and then mostly cloudy Labor Day with a slight chance of showers Monday night.
Then there’s a slight chance of showers through the week with a mostly sunny Thursday predicted.
A tropical storm warning, however, remains in effect Monday.
In a statement Monday, the NWS indicated post tropical storm Hermine had stalled, but was expected to maintain strength as it drifts toward the southern New England coast.
Update (Sunday, Sept. 4): The National Weather Service has refined its 5-day forecast.
The Weather Service is calling for a mostly sunny Sunday, with a high near 76, that will give way to mostly clouds and possible tropical storm conditions Sunday night.
Tropical storm conditions are then expected on Monday, Labor Day, and a tropical storm warning remains in effect as what’s now post-tropical storm Hermine works its way up the coast.
Tropical storm conditions are then possible Monday night through Wednesday.
The storm was about 320 miles south-southeast of NYC Sunday morning.
keep an eye on the storm tracker
http://greaterfireisland.com/fire-island-surf-photos-as-hermine-approaches/
Update (Saturday, Sept. 3): The National Weather Service has upgraded its tropical storm alert to a tropical storm warning, indicating tropical storm conditions are now expected in Suffolk County as Hermine works its way up the East Coast of the U.S.
Winds of 30 to 40 mph are being forecast, with gusts of up to 55 mph.
The NWS forecast calls for clouds and 15-17 winds to start Saturday night, with tropical storm conditions expected from Sunday through Tuesday afternoon.
Original story: In the midst of a tropical storm watch, Suffolk County officials have outlined measures the county is taking to prepare for Tropical Storm Hermine’s move up the East Coast.
As of Saturday, the National Weather Service was predicting 30-40 mph winds with gusts up to 60 mph, a two-foot storm surge and the potential for property damage due to wind and flooding, according to the storm watch.
The forecast calls for clouds and 15-17 winds to start Saturday night, with tropical storm conditions possible Sunday through Wednesday.
NWS Hurricane Local Statement offers additional details.
“While there is much uncertainty in the current forecast models of Tropical Storm Hermine, it is likely that we will experience the effects of this storm in some capacity,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said at a press conference Friday afternoon.
“Since this is a holiday weekend, we are asking our residents and visitors to be aware of the forecast and to use common sense throughout the weekend. We will continue to monitor the projection of the storm and keep our residents updated as necessary.”
Experts in the county are expecting 3-5 feet storm surges along the western portion of the Long Island Sound and western south shore bays starting on Sunday, according to the county.
Emergency responders are also preparing for widespread moderate to major flooding, especially on the South Shore and Fire Island, beginning Sunday morning, county officials said.
“The Suffolk County Police Department is prepared to fully staff our positions in the Emergency Operations Center if it is activated to work with local, state and federal officials in shelter management, planning, resource management and radiological response coordination,” said Police Commissioner Tim Sini. “We encourage residents to pay attention to the news and follow updates over the weekend and implore you to follow directions from officials and emergency rescuers.”
Suffolk Police will have 79 marine bureau officers in multiple hi-tech boats patrolling the waters and coordinating rescue efforts with the U.S. Coast Guard if necessary.
The department’s aviation unit, which consists of four helicopters, pilots and Stony Brook University Hospital personnel, will also be available to assist the marine bureau, officials said.
Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service is also in contact with its emergency management partners across Long Island, including those on Fire Island.
Patchogue Village officials said Friday the village pool will be closed Sunday and Monday, no matter the weather conditions because much of the pool’s materials are being packed up ahead of time.
Here are some county communication resources available to residents:
• The Suffolk County Code Red Emergency Notification System.
The system allows Suffolk County FRES to deliver customized messages directly to homes and businesses. Click here to easily enroll in the program.
• Residents can create a Smart911 safety profile by clicking here.
This gives operators valuable information that will be displayed on a 911 call-taker’s screen.
Click here for more information, hurricane safety preparedness tips and storm updates.
Photo: County Executive Steve Bellone (middle) with county officials Friday in Yaphank. (courtesy)
