Hudson Valley Forecast: Henri's Track Trends Slightly Westward

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Tropical Storm Henri's track has shifted slightly westward, making it possible that the soon-to-be-hurricane will have a bigger impact on the Hudson Valley.

However, since the storm's effects aren't expected to start until Saturday night, meteorologists emphasize what is most certain: heavy rain and storm surge along the Long Island Sound.

A storm surge watch and a tropical storm watch are in effect for southern Westchester County. The rest of the lower and mid Hudson Valley have hazardous outlooks in place from the National Weather Service.

A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.

The folks at Hudson Valley Weather have issued their first "stormpact" prediction. "The next 24 to 36 hours will be crucial in helping pinpoint the impacts on our area," said Alex Marra and Bill Potter.

The main threats from Henri are potentially life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, tropical storm or hurricane force winds along the south shore and east end of Long Island and across southeast Connecticut, the National Weather Service said. There will also be associated marine and coastal hazards, including very rough seas and dangerous rip currents.

The NWS advised residents prepare for dangerous wind having possible limited impacts across
southern New York and northeast New Jersey and for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal Long Island and the Western Long Island Sound.

Elsewhere across Southeast New York and Northeast New Jersey, little to no impact from wind or surge is anticipated.

A widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is forecast in the path of Henri with localized higher amounts possible Saturday through Sunday evening. The highest amounts are forecast to be across eastern Long Island and much of southeastern Connecticut.

Dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected along the ocean beaches of Long Island beginning Friday.