Long Island Weather: Severe Storms Possible Tuesday

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. for Suffolk County.

UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 3:45 p.m. for Nassau and western Suffolk County. Large hail and damaging winds (60 mph) and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. A tornado warning that had been in effect for parts of northwestern Nassau has now expired. There have been no reports so far of any damage in the area.

UPDATE: Tornado Warning Issued For Parts Of LI, NYC, Hudson Valley

Strong thunderstorms are possible through Tuesday afternoon on Long Island as a strong cold front crosses the area. Some of these storms could be severe with gusty winds and small hail.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 5 p.m. for Nassau County.

Behind the front, winds quickly shift to the northwest, with gusts of 40-50 mph late in the afternoon through the night. A wind advisory will be in effect from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. Wednesday.

"Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects," the advisory says. "Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result."

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

As of 1:55 p.m., more than 1,500 PSEG Long Island had already lost power, according to the PSEG outage map. Most of those outages are in the Town of Hempstead.

The winds will usher in much colder temperatures and a freeze warning will be effect Wednesday morning in Suffolk.

The full forecast:

Tuesday afternoon- Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Steady temperature around 54. Breezy, with a south wind around 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday night- A 30 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 31. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Blustery, with a northwest wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph.

Wednesday- Sunny, with a high near 51. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Breezy, with a west wind 22 to 24 mph.

Wednesday Night- Increasing clouds, with a low around 34. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday- A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. South wind 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday Night- Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday- Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night- A 30 percent chance of rain before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Saturday- Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.