Live updates: Hurricane Lee should stay east of Connecticut, Long Island as it heads for coastal New England
Hurricane Lee, a Category 1 storm as of Thursday evening, is expected to weaken as it approaches our region.
Storm surge from Hurricane Lee could cause coastal flooding throughout the region
The National Hurricane Center predicts a combination of storm surge and tide could cause flooding in coastal communities, as well as those further inland.
During high tide, areas near Long Island Sound could see a peak surge of one to three feet. Long Island’s south shore from Rockaway to Montauk could see one to two feet.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in southern New England for Friday afternoon. The storm will move northward towards Atlantic Canada through Saturday.
Southampton declares state of emergency due to 'washover'
The Town of Southampton has declared a state of emergency in order to prevent a breach of the ocean into Shinnecock Bay. They said the “washover” has been caused as Hurricane Lee moves north.
Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said the waves are rushing under the pilings of a home near Sand Bar Beach in East Quogue.
Crews from the Suffolk County Department of Public Works are trying to fortify the dunes. Schneiderman calls this a mitigation effort.
Parts of Dune Road through the area have been closed.
This story is developing.
Utility companies, FEMA urge residents to be prepared for severe weather conditions
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane, tropical storm and storm surge watches throughout New England, though hurricane conditions are only expected for parts of Massachusetts and Maine.
Eversource says workers are ready to respond to any power outages caused by potential high winds in Connecticut late Friday through Saturday.
Line and tree crews will be stationed around the state.
“We’ve been watching Hurricane Lee for more than a week and there is still some uncertainty with the forecast and its track,” said Eversource President of Connecticut’s Electric Operations Steve Sullivan in a statement.
“The high winds Lee could bring combined with the saturated ground from all the recent rain that has loosened tree roots, have the potential to bring down trees and limbs onto electric lines and equipment causing outages,” Sullivan added.
FEMA reminds residents to learn their evacuation routes, have an emergency kit ready, charge devices and check in with older neighbors or those needing additional assistance.
They also warn never to drive through flood waters. Almost half of flash flood deaths happen in vehicles.
Long Island, Connecticut preparing for effects of Hurricane Lee
Weather forecasts predict the storm will mostly miss Long Island, but could bring dune erosion, dangerous rip currents and high tides to local beaches.
Showers and heavier winds are possible Saturday on the East End.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deployment of 50 National Guard members for storm preparation on Long Island.
“We’re anticipating the worst, but hoping for the best in sending those individuals out there,” Hochul said at a press conference Tuesday.
Severe weather is not predicted for Connecticut, with only a 10-20% chance of high winds for southeastern parts of the state. However, tropical storm and hurricane watches are in effect along New England’s coastline.
Officials predict the storm will make landfall in northeastern Massachusetts and downstate Maine.