Long Island weather: Sunny, cool before impending nor’easter

Early morning Friday will see temperatures dip to the mid-30s, with a frost advisory for eastern Suffolk County from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m., as sensitive outdoor vegetation could be harmed if not protected, the weather service said.

Friday heads up to highs in the mid-50s as clouds increase ahead of the storm approaching from the south, the weather service said. The first of the rain is expected to enter the picture Friday night, with the effects of the storm primarily on Saturday.

“The heaviest rain and strongest winds will be in the morning into early afternoon” on Saturday, Hoffman said.

Chances of rain are at 100 percent, with thunderstorms possible after noon, some of which could bring heavy precipitation, the weather service said. 

Long Island could see 1 to 3 inches of rain, which could cause street flooding, Hoffman said. Winds of 30 to 40 mph will be from the east/northeast, with some gusts as high as 50 mph.

For eastern Suffolk County strong winds from the east are forecast Saturday morning and early afternoon, the weather service said in a hazardous weather statement. Gusts of over 50 mph are expected, with some over 60 mph possible.

A gale watch is in effect from late night Friday to Saturday afternoon for Atlantic coastal waters.

Isolated power outages could result from trees and branches downed by a combination of winds and already saturated ground, the weather service said in a briefing late afternoon Wednesday. 

Surge from the storm could lead to moderate coastal flooding for shores of Nbadau and western Suffolk counties during the high tide cycle late morning Saturday to early afternoon, the weather service said. 

High surf is possible along the ocean shoreline, as well as widespread, minor coastal flooding, the briefing said.

Hoffman was expecting “some improvements in the weather by late in the day” Saturday.

There is a chance of rain Sunday and Monday, too. Both days should have highs in the 50s.