Bellone Urges 'Extreme Caution' As Bomb Cyclone Hits Suffolk

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A lengthy storm has arrived on Long Island, bringing lots of sustained rain with severe wind expected later Tuesday. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the county is prepared for the storm but the weather will be hazardous for drivers making their evening commute.

"As commuters come home this evening, those who are out on the roads, we are urging extreme caution," Bellone said. "We are expecting that the winds from the storm will be picking up significantly this evening."

A State of Emergency for Suffolk was declared by Bellone around noon.

🚨STATE OF EMERGENCY🚨

As today’s nor’easter continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds, I have declared a State of Emergency for Suffolk County.

Residents should stay alert, as this storm is far from over.

— Steve Bellone (@SteveBellone) October" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/SteveBello... 26, 2021

A flash flood advisory is in effect, and the storm is expected to last until midday Wednesday. The length of the storm is the unique challenge in play, Bellone said.

There have been 27 motor vehicle crashes reported in Suffolk between midnight and 11:15 a.m., Suffolk police said.

Downed trees can be expected once the wind picks up, said Stuart Cameron, acting commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department.

A sustained wind of 25 to 35 MPH with gusts up to 60 MPH are in the forecast, Bellone said.

"I don't think I can emphasize enough the importance of, with a storm like this, paying attention, being careful, being cautious out there," Bellone said. "If you can, avoid the roadways later as the winds really start to pick up."

High wind and heavy rain combined can cause many power outages, Bellone said. PSEG Long Island said it is "ready" for the Nor'Easter, and Bellone said county crews are stationed and ready to clear any trees that may fall.

Cameron urged motorists to drive slowly as the bad weather picks up. He also recommended that homeowners remove or secure loose items in their yards, such as garbage cans and loose furniture, so that the objects do not blow out into the roadways.

Bellone encouraged residents to monitor the storm and seek out updates.

"The storm can shift," he said. "It can change, certainly. We have seen that before."

The storm hitting Long Island is called a "bomb cyclone," a storm that can rapidly intensify.