UPDATE: Severe Weather Forecast for Long Beach

Update: July 26, 4:09 p.m.

In anticipation of tonight's potential storm, the City of Long beach has been in contact with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management. Additionally, the city participated in the Long Island Power Authority Weather Update Conference Call this afternoon and the Department of Public Works is fully prepared.

If you have any electrical issues, please contact the residential LIPA Emergency Line at 1-800-490-0075. You can also follow @LIPAnews on Twitter and report outages at lipower.org. Nassau and Suffolk will be opening their offices of Emergency Management as a precaution, and the LIPA Communication Command Center is opening at 5 p.m.

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Original Story

The National Weather Service has indicated that there is a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening with damaging winds and heavy rainfall as the main threats. Large hail is possible as well.

There is a high rip current risk that remains in effect until this evening with surf height expected to reach 7 feet by this afternoon. Additionally, there is a moderate lightning risk for ocean beaches in Nassau, southwest Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn.

"I urge all New Yorkers to take caution and pay attention to local radio and television reports for the latest information on the progress of these summer storms," Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday. "Proper precautions undertaken now can help ensure that the strong winds and heavy rain cause as little damage as possible and that families and individuals are kept safe from harm."

Nassau County has canceled outdoor concerts and movies slated for Thursday night as well.