Henri Threatens Long Island: Hurricane Watch In Effect

LONG ISLAND, NY — Hurricane and storm surges watches have been issued for Long Island as the forecast track for Tropical Storm Henri now has it passing the island as a hurricane just a few dozen miles off Montauk Sunday afternoon.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Suffolk County. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Nassau County. The entire island is under a storm surge watch.

"The main threats from Henri are heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, tropical storm force winds along the South Shore and East End of Long Island and across southeast Connecticut, and associated marine and coastal hazards, including very rough seas and dangerous rip currents," the National Weather Service said Friday morning.

A storm surge watch means life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline is possible somewhere within the area within the next 48 hours.

"The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded," the National Hurricane Center said.

There is the potential of 2-4 inches of rain from Saturday through Monday on the island with the bulk of it falling Sunday.

The full forecast:

Friday- A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. West wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night- A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday- A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 9 mph.

Saturday Night- Tropical storm conditions possible, with hurricane conditions also possible. A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday- Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Sunday Night- Tropical storm conditions possible. A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Monday- Tropical storm conditions possible. A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.

Monday Night-Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Tuesday-Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.