'Torrential' Overnight Rain Led To Water Rescues, Major Flooding: NWS

LONG ISLAND, NY — Sunday night's torrential rain led to a long string of stranded motorists and emergency water rescues, as well as flooded basements, closed roads and even a small landslide reported across Long Island, according to the National Weather Service.

A flash flood warning was issued across the area until just before 5 a.m., which has since been rescinded, officials said. During the height of the storm, the NWS's New York office reported "torrential rainfall" across central and eastern Long Island with "multiple water rescues."

Suffolk County police said 911 received dozens of calls overnight reporting flooded roadways, yards, and basements. No serious injuries have been reported at this time, police said Monday morning.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is expected to declare a state of emergency due to "major storm damage" to North Shore communities, he said.

A high rip current risk exists in southern Nasssau County through Monday evening; a coastal flood advisory remains in effect in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline from 6 p.m. Monday night until midnight, the NWS said.

According to James Tomasini, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office in Upton, Mother Nature socked Long Island with massive amounts of rain Sunday night, with the highest amount as of Monday morning recorded in Suffolk County, where Miller Place received 9.84 inches of rain. Stony Brook got slammed with 9.4 inches, Commack, 8.82, and St. James, 8.13.

"The bullseye area was from just east of Dix Hills, running northeast to Miller Place and Rocky Point — that whole area of northwest Suffolk is where we had the bulk of the rain," Tomasini said.

Multiple homes with basement flooding were reported across Long Island, according to a full list of emergency rescues, street closures, and flooded homes compiled by the NWS.

On Monday morning, residents were urged to be aware of lingering effects from the storm, including numerous flooded basements and road closures, he said, adding that motorists should use caution when traveling.

A chance exists for showers and thunderstorms Monday afternoon, but while there may be heavy rain, the risk of flash flooding is less than Sunday night, Tomasini said.

A dry period is expected to kick off islandwide Tuesday and last throughout the week, he said.