According to the storm’s most recent track, it is on course to collide with long stretch of coastline Sunday. Hurricane warnings extend from New Bedford, Massachusetts to the luxury oceanfront estates of New York’s Hamptons to Fire Island, the summer getaway.
As far as Cape Cod, intense winds and dangerous tidal surges were predicted. Utility workers warned that the resulting power outages could extend for a week or more.
Henri was veering a bit further west than originally expected, and if that track holds, it would have eastern Long Island in its bull’s-eye rather than New England, which hasn’t taken a direct hit from a hurricane since the deadly Hurricane Bob in 1991.
New York hasn’t had a direct hit from a powerful cyclone since Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc in 2012. While some of the most critical repairs to New York City have been made, many projects that are intended to protect against future storms remain incomplete.
Fire Island is a small strip of sandy villages just above the sea level, located off Long Island’s southern coastline. Residents and tourists were asked to evacuate. Officials say that the last boats will depart Saturday at 10:40 pm. After that, officials warn that there may not be any escape routes for those who choose to stay out of the storm.
“If they don’t leave the island today they will remain on the island. We do not know the conditions in which they might be living. They could prove to be very difficult. They could prove to be dangerous,” Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive, said.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo appealed to New Yorkers to prepare for the worst, warning that storm surges from Henri could cause as much damage as Superstorm Sandy.
“We only have a short notice. Cuomo stated that we are talking about tomorrow. “So, if it’s necessary to move, or if stockpiling is required, then today must be the day. Please.
Cuomo announced that service on certain eastern branches of Long Island Rail Road will be suspended at midnight. This is a major commuter train system.
After a scandal involving sexual harassment, the governor will be leaving office in just two days. He warned that heavy rains could cause problems up to the Hudson River Valley.
Henri was moving north-northeast at 17mph (27 km/h) on Saturday with a wind speed of 75mph (120 km/h). It is still 395 miles (635 km) south of Montauk Point, New York’s Long Island.
Jay Schneiderman, Southampton Town Supervisor, said that the town is considering issuing an evacuation advisory for approximately 6,000 people. He stated that current storm models showed that the storm’s centre would “smack on Southampton.” He also described a shortage of flashlights and batteries as people “are beginning to wake up.”
He said, “Right now, it seems like a sunny day, but, you’ll be in the middle a potentially severe hurricane by tomorrow.”
Its exact landing place was unknown, but broad impacts were expected to be felt across the Northeast. This included Hartford, Connecticut and Albany, New York. Then, it extended eastward to Cape Cod which is home to tens of thousands summer tourists.
Flushing, New York to Chatham, Massachusetts is the best place to experience storm surges of 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1,5 meters) from Flushing to Chatham. The hurricane center also said that parts of the North Shore or South Shore of Long Island are possible.
Expect rainfall of between 3 and 6 inches (7.5- to 15 centimeters), Sunday through Monday.
Weather service officials warned of damaging winds and coastal flooding. Officials in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts warned that power could be out for days. Authorities advised residents to secure their boats and fuel their cars, as well as stock up on canned goods.
Gov. Ned Lamont advised Connecticut residents to prepare to “shelter-in-place” starting Sunday afternoon and ending at least Monday morning, as the state braces itself for the worst.
Officials warned residents of the Hamptons, Long Island’s celebrity playground, about dangerous rip currents that could cause flooding and turn streets like Dune Road, lined with mansions, into lagoons.
“We have many wealthy people. Schneiderman stated that there is no doubt that we have, but everyone pulls together in an emergency. “So, you see, yes, people are drinking martinis on their yachts right now, but they’re also talking about the storm and I’m certain they’ll want to help.”
