Severe Storms Could Bring Hail, Damaging Winds To Long Island

Severe thunderstorms packing damaging winds, heavy rain and even hail may rumble across Long Island Friday night, the National Weather Service says.

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for Nassau County and western Suffolk County.

'There is a low chance for damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding from thunderstorms," the outlook says.

There is a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and evening across most of the area. Gusty winds, flash flooding and small hail are possible in any stronger thunderstorm. When thunder roars, go indoors! pic.twitter.com/7vh6sISuKQ
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 27, 2018

Since the ground is saturated and limbs are loaded with moisture, even a moderate gust of wind can bring some shallow-rooted and diseased trees down, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski says.

Storms could begin impacting New York City and western Nassau during the Friday evening commute, but it's after sunset when forecasters say the island is most likely to see any severe weather.

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Check out the hour-by-hour forecast below:

NWS image

Once we get through any lingering showers Saturday morning and afternoon, the rest of the weekend should be dry with highs in the mid-80s on both days.

If you are heading to the beach Friday, there is a high rip current risk at all ocean-facing beaches.

There is a high risk of rip current development today at all ocean beaches. If you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and only swim near lifeguards. pic.twitter.com/kkPO44XCTZ
— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) July 27, 2018

Image via Shutterstock