NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Outgoing Gov. Andrew Cuomo is declaring a State of Emergency in New York and deploying 500 National Guard members as Hurricane Henri approaches Long Island.
The declaration is targeted for New York City, Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley and the capital region. Cuomo warned of a Hurricane Sandy-level impact on parts of the state.
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"Superstorm Sandy...was also a Category 1 when it hit New York state — so just to put it in perspective on how serious this is and how dangerous it is," Cuomo said. Remember Superstorm Sandy — and I'm sure we all do. But this is right now projected to be that level of a storm, so it is as serious as a heart attack."
Henri is projected to reach land in Suffolk County Sunday morning to afternoon, currently bringing upwards of 80 mph winds and 105 mph gusts. Cuomo said the storm is expected to hit Suffolk and sweep up the Hudson area toward the Capital District.
The state is preparing for a 26-hour event that is expected to end on Monday around 2 p.m.
"The Long Island effects will be certainly serious: tidal areas, they're talking about eight-to-ten inches of rain, which will create significant flooding," he added.
The National Weather Service and other officials have warned of such dangerous conditions for New York. Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone ordered a voluntary evacuation of Fire Island.
Cuomo urged New Yorkers who live in flood-prone areas to leave immediately.
"Get out of that area now, please," Cuomo said.
The MTA is planning to suspend Long Island Rail Road service Saturday night on the Montauk Branch and between Ronkonkoma and Greenport. The agency will also suspend Metro-North service on the entire New Haven Line and the Wassaic Branch of the Harlem Line.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is scheduled to take office at midnight, Tuesday, Aug. 24. The governor disimissed concerns that his planned departure would sidetrack the state's storm preparidness.
“I am governor today and I am in charge," Cuomo said.
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