High wind warning, flood watch posted

The National Weather Service has posted a high wind warning for our area through 1 a.m. Sunday morning.

Easterly winds of 30 to 40 MPH with gusts up to 60 MPH can be expected through this evening, according to the weather service. Isolated gusts of up to 70 MPH are possible.

“Winds of this magnitude will be capable of producing property damage and power outages due to fallen trees and limbs. The winds will gradually diminish late tonight,” according to a National Weather Service statement.

A flood watch and coastal flood watch are also in effect. Rainfall rates of three quarters of an inch to an inch an hour are possible, according to weather service.

“Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Most flooding deaths occur in automobiles. turn around and find another route,” the weather service statement said.

Locally, the level of the Peconic River was near the top of the bulkhead on the riverfront dock downtown, even at low tide this afternoon. High tide occurs about 10 p.m. tonight. Roadways throughout the town are flooded and extreme caution when traveling is urged.

LIPA is reporting power outages throughout the island, with more than 18,500 customers —though none in Riverhead — without power as of 4 p.m. 

{besps}cssgallery/March 13 storm{/besps}