A flood advisory is in effect for Suffolk County until 3:45 p.m. Saturday as heavy rain from thunderstorms brings minor flooding to low-lying and poor-drainage areas, according to the National Weather Service in Upton.
As of 2:17 p.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms, with minor flooding ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Between one-half inch and 1 inch of rain had already fallen, and an additional one-half inch to 1 inch is expected through the afternoon, the weather service said.
The advisory warns that ponding of water in urban areas and other poor-drainage locations is occurring or imminent.
Locations listed by the weather service as likely to experience flooding include Riverhead, Wading River, Manorville, Medford, Middle Island, Centereach, Coram, Farmingville, Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, Patchogue, Sayville, Shirley, Mastic, Center Moriches, Westhampton, Rocky Point, Stony Brook, Port Jefferson and Mattituck.
The National Weather Service said scattered severe thunderstorms and flash flooding are possible this afternoon into this evening, with the potential for heavy downpours in any stronger storms.
Drivers are urged to use caution and avoid flooded roadways. “Turn around, don’t drown,” the weather service said, noting most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
For flood safety information, visit weather.gov/safety/flood.
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