Flash Flood Warning Issued In Nassau County Amid Thunderstorm

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A flash flood warning was issued Wednesday afternoon for parts of northwestern Nassau County as thunderstorms rumbled across Long Island bringing heavy rains.

The National Weather Service said around 3 p.m. Wednesday that up to an inch of rain had already fallen.

"Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," the weather service said.

The flood warning remains in effect until 6:15 p.m. Small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses and other drainage and low lying areas could see flooding, the weather service said.

Among the impacted areas: Great Neck, RFK Bridge, Mott Haven, Flushing, Throgs Neck Bridge, East Tremont, Midtown Manhattan, Laguardia Airport, Sands Point, Jackson Heights, Clearview Expressway, Bayside, Harlem, Astoria and Cardinal Spellman High School.

Flash Flood Warning including Queens NY, The Bronx NY, Floral Park NY until 6:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/HT8y74Ug3O
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) August 12, 2020

The weather service warned drivers to avoid flooded roads.

"Most flood deaths occur in vehicles," the agency said.

Radar indicated rains the region could see up to 2 inches in an hour.

A special marine warning was also issued for the western Long Island Sound. Wind gusts could reach 34 knots or greater. Small hail could fall as well.

"Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves," the weather service said, noting that strong thunderstorms will remain over mainly open waters.

The storm was rolling over Little Neck, near Great Neck, around 3 p.m. and was moving west at 5 mph.

"Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with this storm," the weather service said, adding that: "Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding."

A flood advisory was issued for parts of central Nassau County until 4:30 p.m. Affected areas include: Jamaica, Whitestone, Elmont, Clearview Expressway, Bayside, Little Neck, Manhasset, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Lake Success, Thomaston, Bellerose, Russell Gardens, Searingtown and Herricks.

Residents reported major flooding in New Hyde Park, near Hillside Avenue and Lakeville Road.

The Lakeville Estates Civic Association of New Hyde Park shared a photo on Facebook of a water rescue. The post said: "Avoid Hillside Avenue completely closed they are rescuing people from cars period between Lakeville and new Hyde Park Rd. both directions and all the side streets."