Tropical storm conditions are expected to arrive across the East End this morning, with hurricane conditions possible, according to the National Weather Service in Upton. North winds of 30 to 40 mph will becoming west 35 to 45 mph this afternoon.
Hurricane and storm surge warnings remain in effect.
The National Hurricane Center track has Henri making landfall near hurricane strength late this morning or early this afternoon in the vicinity of from Montauk to Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.
The strongest winds will likely occur before the middle of this afternoon, according to the weather service.
The heaviest of the rain is expected to be to the west of Henri. The period of heaviest rain is between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, when 3 to 6 inches or more may fall over much of Suffolk County, according to the forecast.
Storm surge inundation is also a concern, forecasters in Upton said, especially since heavy rain may occur during times of high tide and make flooding worse in low-lying areas.
There is the potential for isolated tornadoes to move through as Henri makes its approach and landfall, forecasters said. The NWS Storm Prediction Center has placed southeast Connecticut and eastern Long Island in a marginal risk for severe storms.
Tonight, tropical storm conditions are expected, with hurricane conditions possible, according to the weather service. Expect showers with a chance of thunderstorms. Locally heavy rainfall is possible. Winds will be out of the southwest at 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, diminishing to 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph after midnight.
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Riverhead High School, 700 Harrison Avenue.
All Riverhead Town Beaches are closed today.
Gale force winds are expected in the Long Island Sound, the Coast Guard said last night in a warning to mariners.
“Hurricane Henri is a dangerous storm. Pleasure craft are advised to seek a safe haven. Draw bridges may not operate upon onset of high winds or when an evacuation is in progress. Closely monitor NOAA weather forecasts for storm-related information,” the Coast Guard said.
Boaters are urged to stay off the water. “The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed,” the Coast Guard said in the warning.
The Coast Guard urged owners of large boats to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailer-able boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding.
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