Strong Thunderstorms Take Aim At Long Island

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: The National Weather Service has canceled the severe thunderstorm watch for Nassau. Gusty winds and heavy downpours remain likely, but any severe weather is "expected to be isolated or not occur."

Strong to severe thunderstorms will rumble across Long Island Thursday night, the National Weather Service says.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for Nassau County. Suffolk County is under a hazardous weather outlook. (Make sure you are signed up for Patch news alerts to get updates if more severe warnings are issued)

The greatest chance for thunderstorms in Nassau will be between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., the NWS says. In Suffolk, 10 p.m. to midnight is the period to watch.

Here's what you need to know:

• A complex of thunderstorms will approach the area this evening from the west and move east, possibly weakening as it moves toward the immediate coast.
• Some strong to severe thunderstorms are likely, with gusty winds over 50 mph possible along with possible hail.
• Downpours producing rainfall rates in excess of one inch per hour may occur in any heavier thunderstorms that could result in poor drainage flooding, especially in more urbanized areas.
• Those outdoors with plans this evening should watch the sky and be aware for any alerts. Travel may be impacted by low visibility, ponding of water/poor drainage flooding and gusty winds that blow any objects over or around especially during the evening commute.

A heat advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday for Nassau and western Suffolk.

The full forecast:

Thursday Night- Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 8pm and 10pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds, gusty winds, and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday- Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph.

Friday Night- Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. North wind 5 to 9 mph.

Saturday- Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night- A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 13 mph.

Sunday- A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night- A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 50%.