Possible Thunderstorms, Torrential Downpours Prompt Flood Watch For LI

LONG ISLAND, NY — Showers and thunderstorms, along a slow-moving cold front Tuesday afternoon and evening, may produce torrential downpours on Long Island leading to flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

A Flood Watch is in effect from 2 p.m. today until 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

Meteorologists from the agency are predicting that flooding from heavy rainfall is possible.

A slow-moving frontal boundary will interact with a tropical air mass to bring showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, according to the agency.

"Locally, heavy rainfall is possible and rainfall rates may be near, or exceed, 2 inches per hour at times," its website states. "This rainfall could lead to flash flooding."

The expected impacts include excessive runoff that may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, and flooding may also occur in poor drainage and urban areas, according to the agency.

Residents should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings, and those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop, the agency warned.

The agency is advising residents to stay alert for rapidly rising water, "Turn around, don't drown."