Henri to leave Northeast Monday night, flood watches remain in effect

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced a voluntary evacuation order for residents and visitors of Fire Island in New York on Saturday.

He said Saturday is the only chance for locals and visitors to leave the island and ferry and water taxi service will be suspended Sunday. Emergency shelters will be set up for evacuees, he said in a press conference. 

Portions of Long Island are currently under hurricane and storm surge warnings as Henri draws near, expected to make landfall in Suffolk County on Sunday. 

“This storm is significant and potentially dangerous and is likely to be really impactful,” he said. “Remember the storm we experienced last year, Tropical Storm Isaias, was not a direct hit. We had 650,000 power outages from that storm. We are now looking at a weather event that may be hitting us directly.”

Henri intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph Saturday morning around 10:45 a.m. as it continued on its track northeast.

Its track has slightly shifted to the east. On its current path, Henri is forecast to make landfall in eastern Long Island tomorrow afternoon at or near hurricane strength before weakening slightly as it reaches Connecticut, just east of New Haven.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont declared a statement of emergency on Friday due to the incoming storm, “to take any actions necessary to respond and protect the people of the state.”

He also requested 200 National Guard members pulled for active duty starting Saturday morning. 

The storm is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, whipping winds, storm surge along the shoreline and potential flooding to the state. 

“Right now, it’s a good idea for everyone to be prepared and expect to shelter in place by Sunday afternoon through at least Monday morning,” Lamont said. 

A hurricane warning is in effect for New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Fairfield County.