Updates: Bracing for This Weekend’s Nor’Easter

The timing of this weekend’s coastal storm is beginning to come into focus as the National Weather Service issues advisories and warnings and the Coast Guard urges mariners to stay in port.

According to the NWS briefing Thursday morning, peak northeast winds — gusting from 35 to 50 miles per hour —are expected Friday afternoon through early Sunday, “with the highest gusts across southeastern Connecticut and eastern Long Island.”

Widespread minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is expected during high tides on Friday into Saturday.

A Gale Warning on the Long Island Sound, in the Peconics and along the South Shore is in effect through Friday and a Storm Warning is in effect for the outer ocean waters to the east of Long Island tonight and through the Friday tide cycles, according to NWS. Areas under a Gale Warning are anticipated to have seas of 13 to 16 feet, while areas under a Storm Warning are expected to have seas of 15 to 20 feet. High rip currents are also expected on ocean beaches through Friday afternoon.

“Widespread minor flooding is also possible during times of high tide Thursday evening and Friday morning,” according to NWS. (Pictured above is high tide at the New Suffolk Waterfront Thursday morning).

Here are the times of high tides across the East End for the next three days:

September 24
Plum Gut Harbor: 9:02 a.m., 9:15 p.m.
Montauk Harbor: 8:08 a.m., 8:21 p.m.
Greenport: 9:40 a.m., 10 p.m.
Mattituck Inlet: 10:23 a.m., 10:40 p.m.
Sag Harbor: 9:31 a.m., 9:51 p.m.
New Suffolk: 10:59 a.m., 11:12 p.m.
South Jamesport: 11:04 a.m., 11:25 p.m.
Shinnecock Bay Entrance: 7:59 a.m., 8:13 p.m.
Shinnecock Inlet: 6:28 a.m., 6:47 p.m.

September 25
Plum Gut Harbor: 9:38 a.m., 9:52 p.m.
Montauk Harbor: 8:45 a.m., 8:57 p.m.
Greenport: 10:13 a.m., 10:39 p.m.
Mattituck Inlet: 11:04 a.m., 11:24 p.m.
Sag Harbor: 10:04 a.m., 10:29 p.m.
New Suffolk:11:36 a.m., 11:48 p.m.
South Jamesport: 11:42 a.m.
Shinnecock Bay Entrance: 8:37 a.m., 8:52 p.m.
Shinnecock Inlet: 7:09 a.m., 7:28 p.m.

September 26
Plum Gut Harbor: 10:13 a.m., 10:30 p.m.
Montauk Harbor: 9:21 a.m., 9:33 p.m.
Greenport: 10:49 a.m., 11:19 p.m.
Mattituck Inlet: 11:44 a.m.
Sag Harbor: 10:40 a.m., 11:08 p.m.
New Suffolk: 12:12 p.m.
South Jamesport: 12:07 a.m., 12:20 p.m.
Shinnecock Bay Entrance: 9:13 a.m., 9:30 p.m.
Shinnecock Inlet: 7:49 a.m., 8:09 p.m.

“There continues to be track and intensity uncertainties with this system, especially into the weekend,” according to NWS. “The eventual track and strength of the system will determine the magnitude of local wind and coastal flooding impacts.

We will update this post with more information as it becomes available. The latest watches and warnings can be found on the local National Weather Service webpage.

Coast Guard Urges Mariners to Stay in Port

The Coast Guard Northeast District is urging the maritime community throughout the Northeast to secure their vessels and remain in port.

“All mariners and coastal residents should prepare for gale-force winds, offshore 15-25-foot seas, heavy coastal rainfall, and significant tidal surge,” according to the District’s Thursday morning advisory. “These conditions present extreme danger to vessel navigation, stability, and shoreline infrastructure.”

“Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor and/or secure your vessel for heavy winds and seas. Ensure you have the most up to date Marine Safety Information Broadcasts for your local area,” according to the report. “Marinas, yacht clubs and private residents should ensure all paddle craft and small boats are secured to prevent unintentional drifting out to sea. Unsecured gear that washes adrift triggers false-alarm search-and-rescue operations, diverting emergency crews from real life-threatening emergencies.”

Here are the local Coast Guard Sector phone numbers:

Sector Long Island Sound: (866)-299-8031
Sector New York: (844)-692-8724

East Hampton Urges Residents To Prepare

East Hampton Town held a meeting of its emergency management team Wednesday and town departments are preparing for the storm, the town announced Thursday,

“Storm drains and catch basins have been cleared, lifeguarding equipment has been removed from beach areas, and equipment and personnel are being readied to respond as needed,” according to the town. “Dangerous surf and hazardous marine conditions are expected as the storm approaches. Boaters and beachgoers should closely monitor National Weather Service forecasts and advisories.”

“Our teams know their roles, they are preparing now, and we will stay in close communication as the storm develops. We want everyone in our community to know that we are watching this closely, we are ready to respond, and we will keep you informed as conditions change,” said Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez in the announcement.

The town is asking residents to secure outdoor furniture, garbage and recycling containers, and other objects that could be moved by strong winds, and urging those in low-lying or waterfront areas to pay particular attention to conditions around high tide.

“We’re asking residents to take a few simple steps now to help keep themselves, their families and their property safe,” said Deputy Town Supervisor David Lys. “Stay away from dangerous surf and never drive through a flooded roadway. A little preparation now can make a real difference as the storm moves through.”

Emergency Numbers

Throughout the East End, residents who lose power should report the outage directly to PSEG Long Island.

Outages can be reported by calling 1-800-490-0075, through the PSEG Long Island app or online, or by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454). Residents can text STAT to the same number for outage status information.

Downed power lines should always be treated as live and dangerous. Residents should stay well away from downed wires and report them immediately by calling PSEG Long Island at 1.800.490.0075 or 911 in an emergency. PSEG Long Island advises that downed wires must be reported by phone.

East Hampton is urging residents to file non-emergency reports of downed trees, large branches or roadway flooding to the East Hampton Town Police Department at 631.537.7575. For emergencies, call 911.