HEMPSTEAD, NY — Another round of heavy rain is targeting Long Island. This time strong winds are part of the equation; over 50 miles per hour is forecasted.

“That is a recipe, not only for knocking down tree limbs but for power outages,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin told Patch.

He said residents should be prepared for “significant damage.” That means having batteries in flashlights and keeping cellphones charged in case the lights go out. The town is doing its part by clearing storm drains.

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With 2-3 inches of rain anticipated and the ground still soaked from the weekend rain, a flood watch is in effect through Wednesday morning.

The brunt of the storm is expected during the overnight hours with winds, perhaps as high as 70 miles per hour in some locales, the National Weather Service said.

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Clavin expects the south shore will see flooding and beach erosion, while those on the road in the morning will find a difficult commute.

“You better set your alarm, if you have an old-fashioned plug-in, you might not wake up because it might not be working,” he said.

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Before the weather worsens, Clavin also cautions homeowners to move garbage cans and other items that become flying projectiles.

“Any decorations you didn’t get down from Christmas yet,” Clavin said. “They might not be there tomorrow morning.”


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