County Executives Update on Tropical Storm Isaias

LongIsland.com

Brunt of the storm is expected to hit Tuesday afternoon.

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Photo: National Weather Service.

In seperate press conferences Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone updated residents on Tropical Storm Isaias.

 

The storm will descend on Long Island by Tuesday afternoon bringing with it 40-50 mph winds with gusts up to 70 mph.

 

“We are now under a tropical storm warning," said Curran who warned of flooding and dangerous rip currents.

 

A full moon will coincide with the storm causing the tides to be more dramatic. Flooding is expected on the South Shore.

 

Bellone spoke from a podium on a beautiful sunny day that was deceptive considering the track of the storm. He stressed that residents should begin taking action now.

 

“As with every storm now is not the time to wait for the actual emergence,” said Bellone. “This is the moment we urge residents to take the time to prepare.”

 

Both officials said that residents should secure backyard items like chairs, potted plants, umbrellas, and awnings.

 

Bellone warned of 10-15 feet breaking surf Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening. He called it a significant storm threat.

 

“There is no storm that is the same,” he said.  “The situation that is different. In the middle of still fighting a public health crisis.”

 

With the wind, PSE&G is preparing for outages.

 

“We want to ensure that we have additional line and tree crews at the ready should the service territory get hit with the strong wind gusts and heavy rain currently in the forecast,”  said John O’Connell, vice president of Transmission and Distribution, PSEG Long Island in a statement. “Receiving support from off-island utilities and contractors who will work alongside our own highly trained line personnel will allow us to quickly and safely restore power to our customers. Utility crews will work 16-hour shifts once restoration efforts begin.”

 

Total rainfall is estimated to be between 2 and 4 inches, with at least one hour during the storm where rain will fall at a rate of one inch per hour.

 

Nassau County is inspecting recharge basins and stormwater outflow for clogs to help prevent any further flooding. The county has shelters available with PPE and social distancing if evacuation is needed.

 

“This year has thrown some very unique challenges at us,” mentioned Curran.