LINDENHURST, Long Island (WABC) — Coastal flooding is expected to worsen along Long Island’s South Shore Sunday morning as another high tide approaches, prompting officials to urge residents to stay off the roads, remain indoors and avoid flood-prone areas.
Rain and strong winds continued across the region early Sunday as communities along the South Shore prepared for rising water levels. Flood-prone neighborhoods in Lindenhurst, Copiague, Babylon, West Babylon, Freeport and Long Beach remained under close watch ahead of the morning high tide.
Officials warned that flooding could affect roadways and waterfront areas as water levels rise, creating hazardous travel conditions.
“Don’t drive through water,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “We’ve seen today, as I traveled around the county, cars that are stuck, that are trying to get through water. You can’t predict how deep it is.”
Emergency officials also warned of wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph, raising concerns about downed trees, power outages and dangerous conditions outdoors.
More than 21,000 customers were without power across Long Island as of Sunday morning, according to officials. Crews were working to restore service as the storm moved through the area.
Residents in flood-prone communities are accustomed to coastal flooding during major storms, but officials stressed that the combination of high water, strong winds and heavy rain creates a heightened risk.
Authorities urged people to stay indoors whenever possible, avoid unnecessary travel and heed any road closures as conditions continue to deteriorate through the morning high tide cycle.
