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

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for Long Island, New York City, Hudson Valley, Westchester, and the Capital District region on Saturday as Henri is expected to make landfall Sunday in Long Island. 

“The state is doing everything we can to be ready. We’re prepositioning emergency equipment all through Long Island, Hudson Valley, we’re preparing water rescue teams for Long Island and the Hudson Valley and in Westchester,” he said in a press briefing Saturday. 

He said if Henri hits as a Category 1 hurricane it’ll bring 80 mph winds, gusts up to 90 to 100 mph, and storm surge between 3 to 6 feet.

He warned locals to remember Superstorm Sandy, saying “This is right now projected to be that level of a storm. It is as serious as a heart attack.”

Cuomo said he is activating 500 National Guardsmen with necessary emergency equipment such as high water vehicles and the state will have 1,000 personnel on duty in the affected areas. 

Port Authority expects flights to be cancelled and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will cancel service in Long Island starting at midnight, he said. 

He urged locals who live in areas prone to flooding to leave immediately for higher ground.

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.