'Bomb Cyclone' Brings Torrential Rains, Heavy Winds To LI: Experts

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island residents should brace for up to three inches of rain, some thunder, and strong winds Wednesday, as a fast-approaching storm blasts through the area, the National Weather Service said.

The storm is expected to escalate rapidly due to a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure, which is a phenomenon that forecasters call a "bomb cyclone."

According to AccuWeather.com, the storm is expected to intensify along the upper mid-Atlantic Coast Wednesday.

"The central pressure of the storm will plunge, creating a giant vacuum in the atmosphere that will cause winds to rush in toward the middle of the storm," AccuWeather.com said. "When the central pressure crashes 0.71 of an inch of mercury (24 millibars) in 24 hours or less, like this storm is projected to do, bombogenesis will occur and a bomb cylone will be born."

Locally on Long Island, Bryan Ramsey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Upton, said strong winds were picking up around noon Wednesday, with rain expected to intensify throughout the day across Long Island and up to 3 inches expected.

A high wind watch, for a period extending from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, was expanded to cover all of Long Island, according to the National Weather Service — with heavy rain also in the forecast.

Winds of 25 to 30 miles per hour are expected, with wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, most likely on the south shores and the eastern end of Long Island and into Connecticut, he said.

Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, and widespread power outages are possible, the NWS said, adding that travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. There's also the chance of some coastal erosion, Ramunni said.

Residents are advised to fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds, the NWS said.

In advance of the high winds and rain, Long Islanders were making preparations to stay safe.

Heavy rains and wind could make for a dangerous commute, AccuWeather forecasters warn. There will likely be travel delays.

Temperatures are slated to reach 62 degrees Wednesday, with a low in the mid-to-low 30s, hovering right around freezing.

As the rain clears out Wednesday, temperatures are expected to drop quickly. Thursday is forecast to be very cold and windy, with highs in the low 40s and lows in the upper 30s. Wind gusts of up to 30 miles an hour are also expected Wednesday, he said. Heavy winds will make the temperatures feel as though it's in the upper 20s and lower 30s throughout the day, Ramsey said.