Long Island, New York – As a powerful nor’easter moves toward the region, state and local agencies are taking proactive steps to protect residents, infrastructure, and the shoreline. Crews have already begun constructing large sand dunes along Jones Beach and other vulnerable coastal areas to act as natural barriers against flooding and erosion.

Sand barriers and infrastructure protection

The newly built sand mounds are intended to shield the ocean beach, nearby homes, and critical roadways such as Ocean Parkway from surge waters. “These dunes provide a first line of defense for both the beach and the communities that line it,” said George Gorman, regional director for the New York State Office of Parks. By reinforcing the shoreline, officials hope to reduce the risk of property damage and keep traffic routes open during the storm.

State leadership and public‑safety guidance

Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state agencies to mobilize resources and issue clear guidance to residents, especially those living in low‑lying coastal neighborhoods. The governor’s office is urging families to stay vigilant, monitor weather updates, and follow any evacuation or road‑closure notices.

Officials have warned that the storm could generate dangerous rip currents at Long Island beaches and in New York City. Several drive‑on beaches in Babylon have already been closed due to rising water levels, and other access points remain shut to prevent vehicles from becoming stranded.

Expected storm impacts

Forecasters predict peak wind gusts of up to 55 mph from Friday evening through Saturday, strong enough to topple trees, bring down branches onto power lines, and cause localized outages. PSEG Long Island has positioned crews and equipment to respond quickly to any power disruptions.

Due to hazardous sea conditions, the Long Island Ferry has canceled Cross Sound services through Saturday, and commuters are advised to seek alternative transportation options.

How residents can stay safe

Authorities continue to urge the public to monitor local weather alerts, heed any evacuation orders, and avoid the water’s edge during high tide. Residents are encouraged to submit weather photos and videos through the AccuWeather platform to help officials track conditions in real time.

For the latest updates, readers can check the AccuTrack radar, air‑quality tracker, and National Weather Service advisories. The AccuWeather app remains a reliable source for on‑the‑go information, and the station’s chief meteorologist, Lee Goldberg, along with his team, will provide ongoing coverage throughout the storm’s passage.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.