Long Island communities brace for another high tide after nor'easter carved away beaches and flooded streets

# What happened A powerful nor'easter struck Long Island in late September, producing heavy rain, strong winds, elevated tides and coastal flooding. The storm carved away beaches across the island, knocked out power to many customers and left streets and parks submerged in low-lying coastal communities.

# Where the damage is concentrated

# Immediate impacts on residents and services

• Travel and local movement: Flooded streets forced people to use kayaks and paddleboards in parts of the South Shore where cars could not pass. Authorities carried out rescues for motorists trapped by high water during peak tide cycles. Officials warned residents to remain indoors and avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Beaches and parks: State park officials closed affected parks until they are deemed safe. The Army Corps of Engineers had planned to bring sand to some areas before the storm, but post-storm assessments will determine next steps.
• Utilities: Utility crews restored power to more than 100,000 customers after widespread outages, but more than 7,000 customers remained without electricity on Monday morning as restoration work continued.
• Public safety: Lifeguards are not on duty on compromised beaches. Officials explicitly advise people not to enter the ocean because conditions are extremely dangerous.

# What to expect next Another high tide cycle was expected after the storm, and local officials warned that rising water during those tides could re-flood vulnerable streets and properties. While forecasts suggested upcoming tides might not reach the peak levels seen overnight and on Monday morning, the combination of unstable shorelines and remaining elevated water levels means localized flooding and hazards remain possible.

# Practical steps residents should take

• Stay off flooded roads. Even shallow-looking water can hide hazards and can stall or sweep away vehicles.
• Avoid the beach and the surf. No lifeguards are on duty and strong currents and broken shorelines are dangerous.

# Short-term recovery considerations Assessments of beach profiles and infrastructure will guide whether immediate sand replenishment or engineered repairs are needed. Utility restoration is ongoing. Park and beach reopenings will depend on safety inspections, including where the storm created steep drop-offs and destabilized access areas.

# What this means for residents Coastal communities should prepare for intermittent flooding during tidal cycles until shorelines stabilize and repairs are made. Expect continued service restoration work and restricted access at damaged parks. Stay alert to official advisories about tides, road conditions and power restoration.