STORM WATCH: Dry today before stormy weather arrives Thursday
Nor'easter to bring heavy rain and coastal concerns Thursday and Friday.
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Thank you veterans. We're looking at a nice day across Long Island as we take time to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. A mixture of sunshine and clouds is expected throughout the day, with afternoon high temperatures around 60 degrees. The good news is that we'll stay dry, making it a great day for Veterans Day parades, ceremonies and other outdoor activities. It's a wonderful opportunity to get outside, show your support for our veterans and thank them for their service and sacrifice.
For tonight, clouds will increase across Long Island, giving us mostly cloudy skies as temperatures drop into the 40s. We're tracking our next coastal storm, a nor'easter, that will bring a stretch of unsettled weather Thursday into Friday. Thursday will feature cloudy skies with periods of rain throughout the day, and there is even the possibility of a thunderstorm during the afternoon hours. High temperatures will range from the 50s to around 60 degrees. Thursday night stays cloudy and wet, with periods of rain and overnight lows in the 40s. Along with the rain, we'll be watching the potential for gusty northeast winds, rough surf and increasing water levels along our coastline. Beach erosion and coastal flooding are possible, especially around the high tide cycles Thursday into Friday. The exact storm track, wind direction and duration will play important roles in determining how high the water rises. We'll need to monitor the tides very closely, particularly along vulnerable coastal communities and low-lying waterfront areas.
Friday looks to be the wettest and most unsettled day of the week as our nor'easter continues to impact Long Island. Expect cloudy skies with periods of rain, some of which could be moderate to heavy at times. Keep the umbrellas, rain boots and rain gear handy, especially for the morning and afternoon commutes. Heavier downpours could lead to ponding on roadways and localized street flooding, particularly where fallen leaves are clogging storm drains. Allow yourself extra travel time, slow down on wet roads and never attempt to drive through flooded streets. Coastal flooding and beach erosion will remain concerns during Friday's high tides, especially if persistent onshore winds push additional water toward the coastline. Rough surf and elevated water levels could also impact beaches, shoreline roads and waterfront properties. Residents in flood-prone coastal neighborhoods should pay close attention to the forecast and any coastal flood advisories or warnings that may be issued. We'll be watching the storm's track, rainfall amounts, wind speeds and tidal departures very closely. It will also be noticeably colder, with temperatures holding in the upper 40s and lower 50s throughout the day.
Friday night, the wet weather will gradually taper off as our coastal storm begins to pull away from the region. Skies may start to clear in spots overnight, allowing temperatures to drop into the 30s by Saturday morning. It will be a chilly start to the weekend, and some of our typically colder locations could see temperatures approaching the freezing mark, so we'll also watch for the possibility of patchy frost where skies clear and winds become light. Saturday will feature mostly cloudy skies with some breaks of sunshine possible as the day goes on. There is a slight chance of an isolated passing shower, but most of the day should remain dry. It will feel much more like November, with afternoon highs only around 48 degrees. If you're heading out to any outdoor activities or sporting events, make sure to dress warmly and have the heavier jacket ready.
The good news is that improving weather conditions are expected as we head into Sunday. Sunshine returns to Long Island, giving us a much nicer finish to the weekend after a couple of unsettled days. Sunday should be a good opportunity to get outside, enjoy some fall activities or finish up outdoor chores that were put on hold because of the rain. Before then, our main focus remains on the nor'easter Thursday into Friday. There are still some important details to work out, especially regarding the exact storm track, the potential for heavier rainfall, gusty winds and how high the tides may rise along our coast. If you live near the water, now is a good time to check that outdoor items are secure and make sure storm drains near your property are clear of fallen leaves, if it is safe to do so. Stay away from rough surf, jetties and flooded shoreline areas during the storm. We'll continue to fine-tune the forecast as new information becomes available. In the meantime, enjoy the nice Veterans Day weather, and most importantly, take a moment to thank all the veterans who have served and continue to serve our country. Thank you for your service!
