cuomo-henri
NEW YORK (77WABC) – Governor Cuomo has declared a state of emergency for the following counties: Suffolk, Nassau, NYC, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Rensselaer, and Schoharie due to the impending Hurricane Henri.
The declaration is targeted for New York City, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley and the capital region. Cuomo warned of a Hurricane Sandy-level impact on parts of the state.
The brunt of the storm in the Tri-state area is expected along the eastern New York coastline with parts of Connecticut. Long Island, specifically Suffolk, is expected to be hardest hit.
Cuomo also urged residents on Fire Island to evacuate immediately.
PSEG Long Island also continues to monitor the impending storm. Henri has intensified to a Category 1 hurricane as it continues up the coast to Long Island.
The National Weather Service and other officials have warned of dangerous conditions for New York. Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone ordered a voluntary evacuation of Fire Island but Cuomo urged New Yorkers who live in flood-prone areas to leave immediately.
- As of 8:30 a.m. today, the weather system is forecasted to bring heavy rains and high winds with peak gusts ranging from 50 to 60 mph in western areas and 60 to 75 mph on the east end of Long Island beginning Sunday morning.
- “Given the potential intensity of the storm, the damage may be severe and some outages may last up to seven to 10 days; however, if the forecast continues to strengthen and the storm moves farther west, restoration could take up to 14 days,” said Michael Sullivan, senior director of Transmission & Distribution at PSEG Long Island. “We are prepared for hurricane force winds and are informing customers to help set expectations about the storm’s potential so that they can also prepare.”
- As of 8:30 a.m., more than 3,300 line workers, tree trimmers, surveyors and other utility personnel from both local and off-Island resources are being procured to work alongside PSEG Long Island’s highly trained line personnel, with efforts to secure additional resources continuing and with the goal of reducing restoration time.
- The eastern end of Long Island is expected to experience the most severe weather and impact.
- PSEG Long Island has personnel ready to respond safely and as quickly as possible throughout the storm.
In New York City holding a storm briefing and making an announcement. Watch live: https://t.co/GlE83U4obq
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 21, 2021
