The Peru Gazette

State of Emergency Will Cover Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester Counties

Strong Winds, Rain, and Coastal Flooding Impacting Long Island, New York City and Lower Mid-Hudson Through Sunday

Gale And Storm Force Winds Will Create Dangerous Surf, Life-Threatening Rip Currents And Tall Waves

Avoid Boating, Recreating in the Water or Going on Beaches Due to Dangerous Sea Conditions

Coastal Flood Warning Issued for Long Island, New York City and Lower Mid-Hudson

State Emergency Operations Center Activated to Enhanced Monitoring

Cut And Toss Crews Available To Support Debris Clearance; High Axle Vehicles and Swift Water Rescue Teams Pre-Staged

New Yorkers Encouraged To Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333-111

Sept. 25, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced she is declaring a State of Emergency for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester Counties in response to a coastal storm that began impacting New York State Friday morning and is expected to last through Sunday. The Governor cautioned New Yorkers, particularly those in shoreline and low-lying coastal communities on Long Island, and in New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson, to take necessary precautions as the storm is forecast to bring high winds, dangerous surf, and potential flooding. Governor Hochul activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a state of enhanced monitoring with the worst impacts expected Friday night through Sunday morning.

“I’m declaring a State of Emergency for Nassau, Suffolk, New York City and Westchester as this powerful coastal storm bears down on the region,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re expecting dangerous coastal flooding, strong winds and potential power outages through the weekend. Take this storm seriously. Stay alert, and avoid unnecessary travel.”

Coastal flooding is a primary concern with this system, particularly during high tide cycles with a Coastal Flood Warning issued for Long Island, New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson.

The worst flooding is expected along the south shore of Long Island, as well as parts of lower New York Harbor and coastal areas of the Bronx, Westchester, and northern Nassau County along the Long Island Sound. Additionally, marine hazards will be significant due to dangerous sea conditions, strong rip currents, and tall waves (4-7 ft along Long Island Sound, 7-15 ft on Western Long Island, and 15-22 ft on Eastern Long Island). On the water, gale and storm force winds will create dangerous sea conditions and tall waves, and people should avoid boating, recreating in the water, or being on beaches.

Strong winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, will bring down trees and power lines causing power outages. Currently, there are 5,675 workers available statewide to support response, restoration, and repairs. This includes 175 overhead mutual aid contractors secured by Con Edison. Cut and toss crews have also been pre-staged to support debris clearance from possible downed trees.

A long duration and widespread rain of 1.5-3 inches is expected, with 3-5 inches of rain possible on eastern Long Island. Isolated flash flooding is a concern, primarily on eastern Long Island, but rainfall rates are not expected to exceed 1 inch per hour. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control has pre-staged high axle vehicles and swift water rescue teams.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches, and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

Safety Tips for New Yorkers

To prepare for high winds, coastal flooding, and heavy rain, New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check local weather forecasts for updates on the storm’s track and intensity. Ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on your mobile phone.
• Stay Out of the Water: Avoid swimming, surfing, or boating. Extremely dangerous rip currents and high surf make entering the ocean life-threatening. Stay off rock jetties and beaches where sudden high waves can sweep you into the water.
• Do Not Drive Through Flooded Roads: If you encounter water on the roadway, turn around and find an alternate route. As little as six inches of moving water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, and two feet of water can sweep a car away.
• Secure Outdoor Items: High winds can turn loose items into dangerous projectiles. Secure patio furniture, trash cans, umbrellas, and other outdoor decorations.
• Prepare for Potential Power Outages: Charge your cell phones and other essential mobile devices. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries handy. Avoid using candles for emergency lighting due to fire risks.
• Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines: Never touch or go near downed utility lines, as they may still be live and highly dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to your local utility provider.
• Check on Neighbors: If safe to do so, check on vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family members—especially the elderly or those with functional needs—to ensure they are safe and prepared.
• For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov.