Update - 4:00 PM, Nov. 27 - Only 424 customers remain with power; 231 are in Suffolk and 192 are in Nassau.

Update - 2:30 PM, Nov. 27 - LIPA is reporting that the number of outages is down to 819, with 494 in Suffolk and 322 in Nassau.

Update - Noon, Nov. 27 - As of 12:03 PM, LIPA is reporting that 2,781 customers remain without power. 1,669 of the outages are in Nassau, and 1,107 are in Suffolk.

Original Story:
November 27, 2013 - The Long Island Power Authority is reporting thousands of power outages across the Island this morning. As of 10:48 AM, crews were working to restore power to 4,113 affected customers. Over 2,600 of those affected are in Nassau County, while fewer than 1,500 are in Suffolk; North Hempstead is the town hardest hit with 1,560 service interruptions.

“Due to high winds and heavy rain impacting our area we are currently experiencing scattered power outages across Long Island,” the utilities provider said in a statement made through its website. “Restoration crews are assessing damage and restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”

LIPA cautions that anyone who sees a downed wire should treat it under the assumption that it is live, and report the location immediately without touching it. Customers can call 1-800-490-0075 to report downed wires as well as power outages, both of which may increase until the rain and wind subside. National Grid has also opened its phone lines for reports of power failures, and can be reached at 1-800-867-5222.

The winter storm, which is interrupting Thanksgiving travel plans as it dumps pouring rain on Long Island and snow on other parts of the region, is expected to continue through Wednesday night, with a chance of snow as temperatures drop as low as 28°.

Inclement weather has impacted at least once school district as Hempstead schools, which were already planning a half day leading into Thanksgiving break, have cancelled a scheduled emergency evacuation drill.

For the most up to date weather information, head over to the LongIsland.com Weather Center, where you can find the latest weather forecasts, advisories and more. To keep track of school closings, visit the LI School Closings Page.

A hazardous weather outlook remains active, and a flood watch will stay in effect through six o’clock Wednesday evening.

[Source: LIPA, National Grid, NWS]