Heavy rain expected to hit Long Island by Monday

On December 11, 2024, residents of Long Island, New York, are facing a severe storm characterized by heavy rain and strong winds. The National Weather Service has issued warnings indicating that the overnight rainfall will intensify throughout the morning and afternoon, with forecasts predicting total rainfall between 2 to 2.5 inches across the region. This weather event is particularly concerning, as high wind warnings have been put in place beginning at noon, anticipating gusts of up to 60 mph. As conditions deteriorate, the heavy rain is expected to start falling more heavily during the midafternoon. It poses risks for transportation, particularly for the evening commute, which may see challenging conditions on roads. This storm comes at a time when Nassau and Suffolk counties are already experiencing a high wind warning, with projections showing the strongest winds impacting eastern areas of Long Island. Earlier in the week, a relatively warm pattern accompanied by wet weather was observed, beginning with rain expected by Monday afternoon. Following a brief but sunny period, Tuesday brought back the rain, leading into Wednesday's storm conditions. Meteorologist Dominic Ramunni has highlighted the significance of this substantial rainfall, stating it may help alleviate the record-breaking drought that affected the region in September and October, provided it falls steadily without causing flash flooding. However, as the temperature is projected to drop significantly after the storm, there is a potential for rain to turn into snow showers later in the evening. This fluctuation in weather adds to the complexity of the ongoing storm conditions, with forecasters recommending caution for residents as they navigate potential travel disruptions and the transition from rainfall to winter precipitation.