Severe Thunderstorm, Flash Flood Watches Issued For Long Island

The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm and flash flood watches for Long Island. The entire island is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Wednesday and a flash flood watch until 5 a.m. Thursday.

"Thunderstorms have quickly increased in coverage ahead of the remnants of T.C. Barry and are expected to impact the area through tonight," the NWS said in a forecast discussion Wednesday afternoon. "The timeframe of best potential for severe winds will be through this evening when surface-based instability is maximized."

Quarter-size hail and wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible with any severe storms.

Rainfall totals are expected to range between 1 and 2 inches with locally higher amounts. Rainfall rates of one inch per hour or more are possible.

A heat advisory is also in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday for Nassau and western Suffolk County with the heat index approaching 100 degrees.