70 MPH Winds, Hail The Size Of Ping Pong Balls Possible On LI

LONG ISLAND, NY — A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday on Long Island. Wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail the size of ping pong balls are possible, the National Weather Service says.

PSEG Long Island says its employees are performing system checks and prepping for potential power outages.

Flash flooding will be concern wherever downpours occur.

The chance of severe weather will rise as the afternoon moves on. The rain should end by sunset and Thursday looks gorgeous and a whole lot less humid.

The full forecast:

Wednesday Afternoon- Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Widespread haze before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night- Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 66. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday- Widespread haze after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. North wind around 9 mph.

Thursday Night- Widespread haze before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

Friday- A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind around 7 mph.

Friday Night- Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

Saturday- Sunny, with a high near 83.

Saturday Night- A 40 percent chance of showers after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Sunday- A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night- A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.