Winter solstice rainstorm brings warm temps, strong winds and coastal flooding

Autumn takes a final bow today with a warm, windy, rainy day.  A storm system moving into the region is bringing high winds and rain, possibly heavy at times, to the Long Island region in advance of the official arrival of winter today at 5:23 p.m.  Today marks the beginning of astronomical winter and is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

A coastal flood warning is in effect this morning as a storm system moves into the region.

Widespread flooding of vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline is expected, with two to locally three feet of inundation above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas, according to the National Weather Service. This will result in numerous road closures and cause widespread flooding of low lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront, the weather service said. Flooding will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays.

Breaking waves of three to five feet will result in beach erosion, wave splash-over onto shoreline roads, with damage to shoreline structures possible, the weather service said in a statement.

The coastal flood warning is in effect from 6 to 11 a.m.

Southeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 to 45 mph are forecast.

A widespread two- to three-inch rainfall is expected across the region, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Locally higher amounts around four inches are possible, the agency said. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures will peak in the upper 50s today across the region.

A wind advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. today and a flood watch is in effect until late tonight.

A gale warning is in effect for the eastern Long Island Sound this afternoon. Winds from the south of 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt are forecast, with seas of three to five feet.

See live local radar with hourly and seven-day forecast.