A wind advisory is in effect for Long Island from 2 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday, with north winds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts up to 55 mph expected, according to the National Weather Service in Upton.
The advisory includes Suffolk and Nassau counties and New York City.
The weather service said the gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects, bring down tree limbs and lead to a few power outages.
The advisory comes as a coastal storm is expected to affect the region Friday into the weekend. In its forecast discussion Thursday, the weather service said a coastal low is likely to track near or just east of the 40N/70W benchmark Saturday before meandering late in the weekend, though confidence in the exact track remains limited.
Periods of rain are expected to accompany the storm. For the Riverhead area, the forecast calls for a chance of showers Friday, with rain likely Friday night and continuing Saturday. The National Weather Service said rain impacts are expected to be limited overall, though a period of heavier rain is possible Saturday night if the storm track shifts.
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, the weather service said. Residents should use extra caution on the roads and secure outdoor objects ahead of the strongest gusts.
In addition to the wind, the National Weather Service said coastal flooding and beach erosion are expected this week, with the greatest impacts forecast around the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tide cycles. A high rip current risk is also expected to persist into the weekend.
Riverhead Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski said highway crews have been preparing all week for the storm.
“We’ve been pumping and cleaning drains, servicing saws and chippers, and fueling machines,” Zaleski said this afternoon.
“We expect over two inches of rain with high winds,” Zaleski said. Trees and limbs may fall. We will address whatever Mother Nature throws at us,” he said. He urged residents to stay home this weekend if possible and prepare for strong winds. “We want everyone safe and we will all get through yet another storm this year,” Zaleski said.
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