Cleanup underway in Huntington after nor’easter brings down around 200 trees
Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m.
Cleanup is underway across Huntington after a weekend of wild weather left highway crews busy responding to downed trees and other storm-related issues.
It’s been nonstop for the Huntington Highway Department, as crews continue clearing trees that fell throughout the town during the nor’easter.
“The wind was a big factor here. Every time the wind kicked up, more trees fell. Next thing you know we have trees down with wires in them,” said Huntington Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino.
Sorrentino says around 200 trees have come down in Huntington since the start of the storm.
On Sunday afternoon, a crew was hard at work on Stone Drive in Greenlawn, where a fallen tree blocked the entire street.
“It’s always rough, but it is what we all signed up for to do. We know the job going into it. We always plan ahead and do what we can,” said tree trimmer Matthew Hennessey.
Crews used chainsaws to cut away limbs and branches, breaking the tree down piece by piece. The debris was then loaded into a truck and hauled back to the highway department’s yard in Elwood.
Sorrentino says the wood will eventually be turned into mulch.
Tree removal is just one part of the department’s storm response effort.
“We have flood teams out, hand crews out. But the tree crews have been out since Friday,” Sorrentino said.
As cleanup continues, crews remain focused on clearing roads and helping Huntington recover from the storm.
Crews work to clear flooded railroad lines in Island Park
Sept. 27, 5:15 p.m.
Long Island Railroad crews were hard at work Sunday afternoon clearing tracks to make sure trains are ready for Monday morning’s commute.
The Long Beach LIRR branch has been suspended since Saturday morning due to nearby flooding in Island Park.
LIRR President Rob Free said crews have pumped millions of gallons of water through the area, but the tides keep coming back to create more flooding.
To help with that problem, crews even pumped the city’s storm drainage system so it could hold more water.
“The risk was the high tides, which persisted and creating more of a flooding condition. But our crews are doing a Herculean effort to get service back,” Free said. “We've had over 530 employees spread throughout the system, pre-positioned with equipment. So a lot of planning went into this, a lot of preparation. Performing tree removals and a lot of crossing gate malfunctions due to really high winds out there.”
The LIRR was providing shuttle bus service between Valley Stream and Long Beach as of Sunday afternoon.
Free said crews would be running test trains and hope to restore service some time Sunday afternoon.
‘It is not over.’ Blakeman urges Long Islanders to stay cautious as nor’easter winds subside
Sept. 27, 12:15 p.m.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a press conference providing updates on nor’easter response efforts Sunday in Mineola.
Throughout the presser, he emphasized the need to remain alert even as the gusty winds begin to subside.
“It is not over. While the wind is dying down and the rain will just be a trickle compared to what we’ve had the last couple of days, the ground is saturated with water. That means roots are loosened. It doesn’t take much for a tree, especially one full of leaves, to fall over,” he said.
Blakeman stated that there will be sustained winds of 20 mph today, with gusts that may reach up to 30 or 40 mph at times. Light to moderate rain is expected to continue into Monday morning.
Coastal flooding remains an issue in areas like East Rockaway, Island Park, parts of Massapequa, Merrick, Oceanside and Long Beach.
“It is certainly something we have to watch, especially this evening at 9 p.m., we will have high tide throughout most of Nassau County,” he said.
Blakeman also thanked officials and agencies for their work throughout the height of the storm.
PSEG is diligently working to address the remaining power outages across Long Island, he mentioned.
Blakeman says he believes Nassau County will be “back to close to normal” by tomorrow morning.
Oyster Bay reports fewer than 100 power outages after nor’easter
Sept. 27, 12 p.m.
Most storm damage and flooding was reported in South Massapequa, according to Town of Oyster Bay officials.
Heading into Sunday afternoon, the Town of Oyster Bay supervisor said fewer than 100 people were without power.
A major contributing factor is a tree that came down on Algonquin Avenue in South Massapequa. The tree is resting on power lines and has severed other wires that are hanging down.
Joseph Saladino said most of the damage from this weekend’s nor’easter occurred in South Massapequa, where flooding was also reported on Clocks Boulevard.
"We have about 75 trees and branches down throughout the town. The flooding issue is continuing," Saladino said. "We'll have to see what happens with damaged cars and such. We want people to stay away from any downed wires and trees. It is a dangerous situation."
Joseph Saladino said Bayville also experienced flooding, but not to the extent seen in South Massapequa.
-Jeremy Skiba
Downed tree delays Oyster Bay LIRR branch
Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m.
The 10:37 a.m. train from Oyster Bay to Jamaica is being delayed at Greenvale due to a downed tree, according to the MTA.
Fallen tree blocks lanes on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck
Sept. 27, 9: 20 a.m.
A fallen tree near 415 Middle Neck Rd. has closed multiple lanes in Great Neck. Nassau police say they received the call for a downed tree in that area around 8:40 a.m.
Tree downs power lines, igniting fire in Levittown backyard
Sept. 27, 9:15 a.m.
A tree fell onto power lines and caused a fire in the backyard of a Levittown home early this morning.
It happened around 7 a.m. on Old Farm Road. The homeowner says crews responded and safely extinguished the fire.
Southold Town supervisor discusses storm response efforts
Sept. 27, 9 a.m.
North Fork communities are still on high alert for more nor’easter impacts.
Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski joined News 12 to discuss the latest storm response efforts and future plans.
Trees fall on power lines in Mastic Beach
Sept. 27, 8:55 a.m.
Downed trees were seen caught on power lines in Mastic Beach.
It happened on Elder Drive just south of Cedar Road.
Officials remind residents to be careful and avoid unnecessary travel, as some areas have also experienced significant flooding.
Oakdale resident wakes to car crushed by fallen tree
Sept. 27, 8:45 a.m.
An Oakdale resident woke up and found his car crushed by a fallen tree this morning.
The resident says it happened around 12:30 a.m.
A photo of the scene shows the tree and the extensive damage the impact left behind.
Thousands left without power as PSEG works to restore service
Sept. 27, 6:05 a.m.
Power outages from the nor’easter continue to be a major problem across Long Island.
More than 1,000 outages have been reported, affecting 22,000 residents, according to PSEG’s map.
PSEG Senior Director of Emergency Preparedness Larry Torres joined News 12 to discuss restoration efforts.
Crews respond to downed trees, debris in Smithtown
Sept., 27, 6 a.m.
Crews in Smithtown worked throughout the night to clean up debris from the nor’easter.
Fallen trees were removed to keep key road accessible.
Town officials remind residents to avoid the roads if they can.
Those who must drive should go slowly and keep an eye out for hazards.
Tree falls on to Valley Stream home
Sept. 27, 5:40 a.m.
Nor’easter wind gusts knocked a tree on to a home Saturday in Valley Stream.
The fire department says it happened on East Beverly Parkway and North Corona Avenue.
They remind residents to avoid downed trees and powerlines.
Anyone who spots a fallen tree or powerline is urged to call the fire department.
Mastic Fire Department responds to numerous downed wires, trees
Sept. 27, 5:30 a.m.
The Mastic Fire Department responded to at least eight alarms during the nor’easter so far.
Photos posted to their Facebook page showed crew at the scene of multiple downed wires on fire.
They could also be seen by a large tree they had to cut to clear some of the roadway on Poospatuck Lane.
Rocky Point tree falls on backyard shed in Rocky Point
Sept. 27, 5 a.m.
The nor’easter continues to topple trees across Long Island, inflicting serious damage on properties like a backyard shed in Rocky Point.
A News 12 viewer submitted photos of the large tree snapped and the remaining branches lying atop the shed.
Crews track weather conditions of nor'easter on the South Shore
Sept. 26, 10:00 p.m.
News 12's Kevin Vesey was in Lindenhurst as floodwaters piled up on the streets due to high tides.
Coastal flooding from nor'easter impact communities along the South Shore
Sept. 26, 9:00 p.m.
News 12's Jenna Rae Gaertner was in Freeport as floodwaters filled the streets.
Person reported missing after entering water at Robert Moses State Park
Sept. 26, 8:00 p.m.
News 12's Kevin Vesey was at Robert Moses State Park where state park officials say they received a report of a person entering the water and not coming back out.
Tree hangsover road in Nesconset
Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.
News 12's Kevin Vesey was on Towline Road in Nesconset where a tree fell on cables and hanged over the road.
Strong winds that are toppling trees across Long Island
Sept. 26, 7:00 p.m.
News 12's Jenna Rae Gaertner is in Ronkonkoma where a large tree came down overnight close to a home.
High tide, rough waves from nor'easter pound the North Shore
Sept. 26, 6:38 p.m.
By News 12 Staff
The high tide and the nor'easter's winds are causing chaos on the North Shore.
The waves were tall and rough on the bay at Eaton's Neck on Saturday afternoon.
The U.S. Coast Guard said wind gusts reached over 50 knots.
The Coast Guard added that while they can't keep people from going on the water, they strongly advise against it.
"It is highly recommended that you stay out of the water. If you do plan to go on the water, make sure you have a float plan, make sure you have all the proper safety equipment flares, fire extinguishers, radios to Channel 16 to call out to Coast Guard," said U.S. Coast Guard Chief Brendan Smith.
The Coast Guard advises boat owners to make sure docked boats are properly tied up and recommends doubling up mooring lines so they don't drift away.
Checking out weather conditions in Smith Point Beach
Sept. 26, 5:45 p.m.
News 12's Kevin Vesey was at Smith Point Beach where high tide is approaching.
Checking out weather conditions in East Patchogue
Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m.
News 12's Jenna Rae Gaertner spoke to a homeowner where a tree fell through their house.
Large tree blocks Powell Avenue in Merrick
Sept. 26, 4:00 p.m.
Large tree falls in front of multiple homes on Powell Avenue in Merrick.
STORM WATCH: Checking out the weather conditions in Lindenhurst
Sept. 26, 3:00 p.m.
News 12's Kevin Vesey checking out weather conditions in Lindenhurst.
Executive Bruce Blakeman provides update on nor'easter
Sept. 26, 2:14 p.m.
Saturday NOR'EASTER update: Stronger winds, more coastal flooding to come?
Sept. 26, 1:40 p.m.
PSEG: More than 13K customers still impacted by power outages
Sept. 26, 1:10 p.m.
More than 13,000 customers are still being impacted by nearly 800 power outages on Long Island, according to PSEG.
Officials remind the public not to go near downed power lines.
If you have an outage to report, call the hotline at 1-800-490-0075. Those who are pre-registered can text “OUT” to PSEG LI.
Glen Cove City Mayor talks flood risks, storm management
Sept. 26, 12:15 p.m.
Glen Cove City Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck joined News 12 to discuss the latest local nor’easter impacts.
The damage left on Glen Cove has been minimal so far, according to Panzenbeck.
No areas have seen flooding yet and only one tree has fallen into a road so far.
Branches and other some minor debris can be seen in the yards of nearby homes.
“We’ve been pretty lucky. Our fabulous DPW crews are out cleaning up now as we speak,” she said.
“So far, so good… That doesn’t mean the storm is over. You really should stay home,” she said.
Suffolk County Exec. Romaine talks flood risks, nor’easter response efforts
Sept. 26, 11:11 a.m.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and other local officials appeared for a nor’easter press conference at the Office of Emergency Management in Yaphank.
Seven-to-10-foot waves have created a significant erosion risk from the coasts of Fire Island to Montauk, Romaine said.
Three-to-four-foot waves are also expected to cause erosion and flooding along the north shore.
Romaine says EMS and fire calls are double the average since the storm hit today.
“Dedicated county employees are working the phones, handling this and following this storm very carefully,” he said.
Locals are urged to remain indoors and avoid travel as much as possible.
Deputy sheriffs will be out to clear blocked roads, assist flooded areas and help stranded motorists.
Camera towers will keep an eye on weather conditions from above. Drone technology will also be employed to help assess damage as the nor’easter subsides.
Flooding suspends MTA service between Valley stream and Long Beach
Sept. 26, 11:25 a.m.
Long Beach branch service is suspended between Valley Stream and Long Beach due to flooding near Island Park.
The MTA says shuttle bus service is available between Valley Stream and Long Beach.
NICE bus service is also cross-honoring LIRR tickets on the following routes:
N15 bus between Long Beach and Rockville Centre. Customers can transfer to a westbound Babylon Branch train at Rockville Centre.
Click here for NICE bus scheduling, or here for other travel alternatives.
Some flights to and from MacArthur Airport cancelled
Sept. 26, 10:55 a.m.
The nor’easter is beginning to impact flights in and out of MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma.
Two departures and the arrivals have been cancelled so far.
To monitor the latest schedule changes, click here.
Fallen tree blocks road in Central Islip
Sept. 26, 10:50 a.m.
A downed tree blocked of Sprucewood Boulevard in Central Islip.
Flood hits streets of Lindenhurst
Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m.
Video shows flood overtake Wyona Avenue in Lindenhurst.
PSEG: Power outages impact over 17K Long Islanders amid nor'easter
Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m.
PSEG Long Island reports nearly 800 outages, impacting more than 17,000 residents.
Those numbers are expected to grow as more heavy rain and wind hit the region.
Officials remind the public not to go near downed power lines.
If you have an outage to report, call the hotline at 1-800-490-0075. Those who are pre-registered can text “OUT” to PSEG LI.
Hochul: State is taking ‘All hands-on deck’ approach to nor’easter
Sept. 26, 9:50 a.m.
Gov. Kathy Hochul provided an update on nor’easter response efforts during a press conference in Albany.
Although the state is well prepared, Hochul urges public to remain alert and cautious.
Winds could reach up to 60 mph at the height of the storm, she said. Flash flooding and floods along low-lying areas are a serious concern.
Hochul says state agencies are taking a “all hands-on deck approach” to the storm.
Field teams are partnered with Long Island, New York City and lower Hudson Valley. Water rescue teams are also deployed in Suffolk and Nassau counties.
LIPA and PSEG have 900 workers available on Long Island and an additional 500 ready to deploy as needed.
Transportation agencies are keeping a close eye on the storm in New York City, according to Hochul. MTA trains are running as expected so far, but storm doors were set up in Coney Island and Howard Beach to keep floodwater from entering.
Air travel impact is currently minimal, but Hochul says delays are expected as the storm continues to pick up. She encourages those flying to keep a close eye on airport scheduling.
“Bottom line- stay out of the water,” she said. “Anyone who goes in or near the water is literally gambling with their life.”
Marina floods in Mastic Beach
Sept. 26, 9:37 a.m.
Footage from a News 12 viewer shows floodwaters at the Marina in Mastic Beach.
Downed tree blocks road in Melville
Sept. 26, 9 a.m.
A tree toppled by gusty wind was photographed blocking part of Walt Whitman Road early Saturday morning in Melville.
Downed tree suspends MTA service for part of Port Jefferson branch
Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m.
Port Jefferson Branch service is suspended between Huntington and Port Jefferson due to a downed tree on the tracks east of Kings Park.
Westbound:
The 7:04am train from Port Jefferson to Huntington is being delayed at Smithtown.
Eastbound:
The 7:01am train from Huntington to Port Jefferson is being delayed at Kings Park.
Heavy rain pounds Northern State Parkway in Suffolk County
Sept. 26, 8:05 a.m.
Footage of the Northern State Parkway in Suffolk County shows intense rainfall.
A DOT sign can be seen in the background warning drivers about the downpour.
Officials remind the public to be cautious and slow down.
Hempstead Town Supervisor talks intense wind, rain and flooding
Sept. 26, 8 a.m.
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti joined News 12 to update locals on the latest nor’easter impacts.
The area is seeing bands of heavy, driving rain and wind gusts up to 45 mph, according to Ferretti.
“We have a reported 19 downed trees overnight. Town of Hempstead crews have been out all night getting those trees off the road,” he said.
Ferretti says the town is also experiencing flooding, especially in the Freeport and Island Park area.
Powerful winds down tree near Commack home
Sept. 26, 7:50 a.m.
A News 12 viewer sent in a photo of a downed tree near Fernwood Drive in Commack.
Strong wind gusts lifted the tree out of the ground near a resident’s mailbox.
Town of Southampton declares State of Emergency amid nor’easter
Sept. 26, 7:40 a.m.
The Town of Southampton declared a State of Emergency starting at 6 a.m. Saturday.
Officials say it is due to expected nor’easter impacts including expected beach erosion, flooding, up to five inches of rain and gusts up to 55 mph.
Southampton Village Mayor talks flooding, beach erosion
Sept. 26, 6 a.m.
The East End is expected to be one of the areas hit hardest by the nor’easter.
Southampton Village Mayor Bill Manger joined News 12 to discuss flooding and beach erosion.
PSEG: Power outages impact more than 15K Long Islanders amid nor'easter
Sept. 26, 5:50 a.m.
PSEG Long Island reports nearly 600 outages, impacting more than 15,000 residents.
Those numbers are expected to grow as heavy rain and wind hit the region.
Officials remind the public not to go near downed power lines.
If you have an outage to report, call the hotline at 1-800-490-0075. Those who are pre-registered can text “OUT” to PSEG LI.
Debris from gusty wind disrupts roads in Uniondale, Wantagh and Brookville
Sept. 26, 5:10 a.m.
Powerful wind has already started to create debris, leading to road disruptions in places like Uniondale, Wantagh and Brookville.
News 12 caught footage of a large branch blocking part of the road at the intersection of Mckenna Place and Manor Parkway in Uniondale.
The Town of Hempstead Department of Public Safety says they are aware and a PSEG crew is being sent to check for electrical damage.
A large tree fell between Sunrise and the Southern State on the Wantagh State Parkway Friday afternoon.
State police received the report a little after 3 p.m. The road was clear in just under an hour.
Nassau police say the southbound road of Northern Boulevard and 107 in Brookville was also closed late Friday night due to a downed tree blocking both lanes.
Long Island businesses brace for coastal flooding as water levels rise ahead of storm
Nassau, Suffolk executives provide nor’easter update
Sept. 25, 12:20 p.m.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and other local officials appeared for a nor’easter press conference Friday at the Office of Emergency Management in Yaphank.
Romaine says the storm will be a “serious rain event” creating local flooding in low-lying areas.
Powerful wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected throughout Suffolk County.
Anyone who experiences a power outage is advised to report it to PSEG.
Massive erosion is also expected at local beaches like Smith Point, according to Romaine.
Blakeman says Nassau County should expect continuous rain and gusts exceeding 50 mph.
“This storm will be more impactful than previously thought,” he said.
Downed trees are anticipated, with strong winds continuing Sunday into Monday.
Blakeman says areas such as Lido Beach and Freeport will likely experience more severe weather impacts.
The north shore of Nassau County will also experience residual damage, though conditions will not be as severe as the South Shore.
Blakeman also said the Long Island Fair in Old Bethpage is cancelled tomorrow.
It is set to close at 5 p.m. tonight. Sunday has yet to be determined.
Nassau County’s South Shore is one area on Long Island that may deal with high tides and flooding from the nor’easter.
It would not be the first time those living in Point Lookout have seen floodwaters.
News 12’s Alex Calamia is at the Buoy Bar with the latest conditions.
IRONMAN cancels triathlon at Jones Beach due to nor’easter
Sept. 25, 11:15 a.m.
On their Facebook page, IRONMAN announced, “In consultation with local authorities, emergency management officials, and public safety agencies, IRONMAN has made the difficult decision not to proceed with the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 New York triathlon in Jones Beach this Saturday, September 26 due to a coastal storm impacting the region. We will explore options for potentially rescheduling this event.
We recognize the significant commitment athletes have made in preparing for race day, but the anticipated conditions present risks that cannot be mitigated to the standards required to safely operate the event.
Registered athletes will receive a separate communication outlining their options, including details regarding the possibility of a rescheduled event and other available registration alternatives, as those details become available.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul joined News 12 to discuss what local officials and agencies are doing to keep Long Island safe ahead of the nor’easter.
Hochul says she directed state agencies to begin preparing for the storm immediately.
Emergency operations staff have already been embedded for Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Local water rescue teams were also sent preemptively, according to Hochul.
DOT crews are ready to clear any debris created in the storm.
News 12’s Alex Calamia checks out wind, tide conditions in Point Lookout
Sept. 25, 8:15 a.m.
Montauk lighthouse keeper Joe Gaviola talks wind, high tides
Sept. 25, 7 a.m.
Freeport Village Mayor Robert Kennedy talks storm preps, possible flooding
Sept. 25, 6:30 a.m.
Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski on preps ahead of the nor'easter
Sept. 25, 6 a.m.
Nor’easter brings rough surf to Long Island’s East End
Sept. 25, 5 a.m.
The incoming nor’easter is already being felt along Long Island’s East End, with strong waves and elevated water levels along the shoreline early Friday morning.
Officials are warning of strong northeast winds, high surf, higher-than-normal tides, coastal flooding and beach erosion as the storm moves in.
The Town of Southampton is taking precautions ahead of the storm. Beach driving at all town ocean and bay beaches will be prohibited starting at 9 a.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Tuesday. Four-wheel-drive beach access will not be permitted during that time.
Officials are urging people to stay away from dangerous surf and coastal areas as conditions worsen. News 12 will continue tracking the storm and its impact throughout the morning.
-Jen Seelig
Nassau leaders prepare for nor'easter
Freeport Village suspends parking regulations ahead of storm
Flood-prone Suffolk areas already see flood during high tide
Suffolk parks close, suspend service
Suffolk is implementing safety measures at their parks.
Beach front camping and outer beach driving is suspended now until Sunday.
Tent camping and campfires will be suspended from Friday night to Sunday night.
Strong winds could damage crops at East End farms
Cross Sound Ferry cancels several trips from Orient to New London this weekend
Several of the Orient Point boats to New London and Connecticut are canceled until Sunday.
Departures remain as scheduled on the Port Jefferson ferry this morning.
According to the ferry's website, any changes this weekend will be posted.