'Destructive' 75+ MPH Winds Possible On Long Island Thursday

Wind gusts could top 75 mph on Long Island during any severe thunderstorms that develop Thursday afternoon and evening.

"This could cause areas of widespread tree and power line damage and resultant power outages,"the National Weather Service says.

The risk of severe storms will be highest on Long Island from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Large hail and isolated tornadoes are possible.

"The Storm Prediction Center has a large part of our area at an enhanced risk for severe weather and they are also emphasizing the tornado risk inside the enhanced risk zone showing a 5 percent chance for a tornado occurring," meteorologist Joe Cioffi wrote on his website. "For this area that risk assessment is rather high and not something we see very often."

A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. in Suffolk County.

Once precipitation clears the coast by around 11 p.m., the rest of the overnight period should be quiet, with perhaps a few lingering showers through around 2 a.m., the weather service says. A chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Friday afternoon.

The full Long Island forecast:

Thursday afternoon- A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 13 to 16 mph.

Thursday night- Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday- A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind around 8 mph.

Friday Night- A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 7 mph.

Saturday- A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night- Showers likely. The rain could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Sunday- A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Sunday Night- Mostly clear, with a low around 61.