Tropical Storm Debby: Latest Forecast For LI Impacts

LONG ISLAND, NY — Severe storms and flooding are possible throughout the Long Island region through the weekend, forecasters with the National Weather said Tuesday. The unsettled weather is fueled by tropical air that is on the periphery of Debby, AccuWeather forecasters said.

But, before worrying about Debby's impacts, Long Islanders need to be aware of a significant rain event coming Tuesday night that could cause flooding, said Brian Ciemnecki, meteorologist with the NWS office in Upton.

"Eyes need to be on tonight first," he told Patch, adding that a flood watch has been issued for Long Island through Wednesday morning.

Tuesday night's rain is not directly sparked by Tropical Storm Debby, he said; those impacts will be felt as the low moves further north into the weekend, he said.

Tuesday night's rain is expected to bring the potential for "significant flooding" Tuesday afternoon and evening, potentially overnight, Ciemnecki said.

As of Tuesday at noon, rain showers had begun to develop in a line, east to west, right down the middle of Long Island, he said. As the rain continues to fall Tuesday afternoon and evening, about 1 to 2 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts possible.

Flooding, Ciemnecki said, is the "key concern here. We do have a flood threat out there today."

Residents should take precautions and get to higher ground if necessary, he said.

After Tuesday's rainfall, Tropical Storm Debby is expected to track inland and pass just west of Long Island, bringing "another round of significant rainfall" to Long Island both Saturday and Sunday, he said.