Storm Henri to become a hurricane as it eyes New York, Massachusetts & New England threatening landfall in the Hamptons

TROPICAL Storm Herni was on the cusp of reaching hurricane force on Friday, as it made its way across the western Atlantic. Hurricane warnings were posted from New York’s Long Island to Rhode Island, and New York City was under a tropical storm watch. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Henri will become hurricane […]

TROPICAL Storm Herni was on the cusp of reaching hurricane force on Friday, as it made its way across the western Atlantic.

Hurricane warnings were posted from New York’s Long Island to Rhode Island, and New York City was under a tropical storm watch.

The Weather Channel

Tropical Storm Henri saw areas of Long Island come under hurricane warnings on Friday[/caption]

AFP

The storm was on the cusp of reaching hurricane speed, with sustained winds of 70mph[/caption]

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Henri will become hurricane by Saturday and make a landfall on New York’s Long Island or southern New England by Sunday.

As of Friday’s 8 p.m. ET update from the NHC, Henri had sustained winds of 70 mph.

Meanwhile, hurricane watchers in New England were wondering whether the region may see its first direct hurricane strike for 30 years.

HURRICANE POTENTIAL

The last hurricane to strike in the area was Hurricane Bob in 1991.

Other hurricanes have made impacts in the Northeast since then, though – such as Hurricane Irene in 2011, and Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Henri is predicted to strengthen to a hurricane strength as it drifts squarely over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

If the storm were to make landfall along the souther coast of New England as a minimal hurricane, widespread wind damage and power outages, flooding rain, coastal flooding due to high tide and storm surges are predicted.

Friday’s 5 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center shifted Henri’s track further to the west, meaning it is now expected to travel over central Connecticut.

Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut said in a news release: “With the current forecasted track of Henri, we can expect heavy rainfall and high winds, with the potential for a significant amount of coastal flooding and urban flooding across Connecticut.

STORM WARNINGS

“Right now, it’s a good idea for everyone to be prepared and expect to shelter in place by Sunday afternoon through at least Monday morning.”

New York City Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for the city until further notice.

All beaches in the city will close Sunday and Monday, according to city officials.

Getty

The storm is set to reach New York City on Sunday[/caption]