What to Know
- Tropical Storm Hermine may re-strengthen into a hurricane this weekend
- Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued from North Carolina to New York City and coastal Connecticut
- Storm surge appears to be the biggest risk, with some spots at risk for six feet of surge or more
A tropical storm warning is in effect for New York City, Long Island and parts of Westchester County as Hermine barrels toward the Northeast.
Hermine has already caused two deaths, damaged properties and left hundreds of thousands without electricity from Florida to Virginia. It also spawned a tornado in North Carolina.
By 11 p.m. Saturday, Hermine's top sustained winds remained at 70 mph as it moved east-northeast at 13 mph. The storm, expected to turn northward on Sunday, was centered about 205 miles southeast of Ocean City, Maryland.
Governors all along the coast announced emergency preparations as tropical storm warnings went into effect as far north as Connecticut.
"Strengthening is forecast after the center moves over water, and Hermine could be near hurricane intensity by Sunday," the center said in its latest public advisory.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency for Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, explaining that problems caused by the severe weather "may become too large in scope to be handled by the normal county and municipal operating services."
Christie said in a statement emergency management personnel in the counties will receive the "tools they need to ensure a speedy and orderly response."
Local
Authorities also announced a voluntary evacuation of Fire Island at a Saturday evening news conference.
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano issued a storm surge warning for residents living in flood prone areas. National Weather Service models indicate that flooding will likely occur on Sunday and Monday at high tide. This could result in 2 to 4 feet of flood waters.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said all Long Island beaches will be closed to swimmers on Sunday because strong rip tides are expected.
Preparations for the storm were well underway. At one northern New Jersey grocery store, miles west from any expected flood zones, there were nonetheless dozens of cases of water stacked in front of the store and on sale. The MTA cancelled almost all weekend work, the city's Department of Buildings ordered all cranes to cease operations, and major airlines began issuing waivers for change fees.
Technically speaking, Hermine is a post-tropical cyclone, just as Sandy was not technically tropical when it hit in 2012. But as opposed to four years ago, the NHC said it would continue to issue tropical storm watches and warnings regardless, reflecting more recent shifts in policy.
The biggest threat from Hermine appears to be storm surge - two to four feet, with six feet as a worst-case scenario in some spots. Moderate to major coastal flooding, major beach erosion and rough surf would follow.
The window of concern began Saturday evening and peaks Sunday night, though multiple high tide cycles could see flooding for days afterward.
Strong winds are also likely, with winds at tropical storm levels from Sunday night until Monday night or Tuesday morning.
