NEW YORK – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the deployment of 50 New York National Guard soldiers to begin preparations on Long Island as Hurricane Lee continues to move northwest and strengthen in the Atlantic Ocean.
The deployment comes as state authorities prepare for a hurricane that could cause dangerously high surf, rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion on parts of the East Coast as it moves north later this week.
While the storm’s ultimate direction remains unclear, Governor Hochul urges New Yorkers to closely monitor the storm’s development this week and ensure they take the appropriate steps to protect their homes if it eventually strikes. in New York State.
“A major hurricane is currently raging over the Atlantic and we are monitoring this storm closely as it is still too early to predict what this potentially dangerous weather system will cause,” said Governor Hochul.
“Out of an abundance of caution, I deployed the National Guard and directed state authorities to prepare emergency resources and be ready to respond to local requests for assistance. “Coastal New Yorkers should keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to act if necessary to stay safe,” he added.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Lee was north of Puerto Rico and east of the Bahamas as of Tuesday morning as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of about 115 mph.
Uncertainty about the hurricane’s path
The hurricane is moving northwest and is expected to turn north over the next two days.
Although no direct impacts are expected for New York, dangerous waves and currents are forecast along the East Coast, including the risk of flooding and beach erosion in high-risk areas along New York’s coasts. York.
State authorities are preparing to respond to potentially dangerous conditions in coastal areas, including high surf, flooding, rip currents and beach erosion.
The New York State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with nearly 3,500 operators and regulators across the state.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State DEC Environmental Conservation Police and others are monitoring the situation and will actively patrol areas and infrastructure that may be affected by the storm.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions and is prepared to take necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable service.
Monitor weather conditions
The Port Authority is monitoring weather conditions and speed restrictions on bridges may apply.
New York residents should be vigilant and take precautions by following safety recommendations from state and local authorities.
Steps you can take to stay safe include developing a disaster plan for your home, knowing local evacuation routes, having adequate supplies of water and non-perishable food, and being prepared to turn off power, heat and fire in an emergency.
Governor Hochul and state officials urge New Yorkers to stay informed about the forecast and take precautions to stay safe during hurricane season.
Residents are asked to sign up for NY Alert, the state’s emergency alert service, to receive current weather information and other emergency alerts via text message or email.
Lee’s exact path and its impact on New York are still unclear, but authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents as the storm approaches the East Coast.
