'Brief Tornado Cannot Be Completely Ruled Out' As Rain Moves Over LI During Monday Morning Commute: NWS

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders can expect a soggy Monday morning commute — with the slight possibility of a tornado, experts said.

According to Bryan Ramsey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, there is a "very, very small, minor risk" of a tornado as bands of rain move through Long Island Monday morning. As of 5:30 am., one line of showers had already passed over the region, with another band of rain possibly headed to Long Island from New Jersey, from 6 a.m. through 8 a.m., just in time for the morning commute.

A NWS hazardous weather outlook issued at 2 a.m. for Long Island said a "fast-moving frontal system will bring a quick hitting band of moderate to heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms, and gusty winds late in the overnight and through the morning commute. Isolated thunderstorms and/or a fine line of low topped convection are possible, bringing a low and localized potential for strong to severe wind gusts. A brief tornado cannot be completely ruled out."

A brief period of gale force gusts will be possible just ahead of the frontal passage into Monday morning, the NWS said.

Ramsey said the tornado was "unlikely" but was mentioned as precaution.

South to southeast peak winds gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour are likely, particularly along southern and eastern coastal areas, bringing potential for scattered downed tree limbs and power lines, the NWS said.

That rainy weather is slated to move out Monday, with the week ahead calling for no hazardous conditions, the NWS said.