TOH Deals With Localized Flooding As Top Concern From Henri

HEMPSTEAD, NY — Nassau County missed the brunt of Henri, which made landfall Sunday afternoon in Rhode Island. But pounding rain didn't escape many south shore communities.

"We're very lucky; late yesterday it started to track out to the east," Town of Hempstead Don Clavin told Patch.

However, the torrential rain that started last night is saturating the area.

Storm surge was not as bad as predicted, "but now it's just localized flooding," Clavin said.

He's concerned with the intense rain pooling up on roads Sunday afternoon.

"Residents should pay attention to that," he cautioned. "If you don't need to go out, stay off the roads and have them open for our emergency crews."

Power outages have not been a major issue with weakened winds. Clavin, though, is critical of PSEG Long Island calling for a potential two-week loss of electricity as Henri churned closer.

"It was really unacceptable. It was inappropriate," Clavin said. "Their job is to fix lines and not scare the residents."

Clavin said they aren't in the clear as winds could still pick up and trees could topple.

"Residents really have to be on guard when they're driving, if they go out," Clavin said. "We're going to have the crew in for the remainder of the storm, overnight and tomorrow morning," Clavin said.