New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for Long Island, New York City, Hudson Valley, Westchester, and the Capital District region on Saturday as Henri is expected to make landfall Sunday in Long Island.
“The state is doing everything we can to be ready. We’re prepositioning emergency equipment all through Long Island, Hudson Valley, we’re preparing water rescue teams for Long Island and the Hudson Valley and in Westchester,” he said in a press briefing Saturday.
He said if Henri hits as a Category 1 hurricane it’ll bring 80 mph winds, gusts up to 90 to 100 mph, and storm surge between 3 to 6 feet.
He warned locals to remember Superstorm Sandy, saying “This is right now projected to be that level of a storm. It is as serious as a heart attack.”
Cuomo said he is activating 500 National Guardsmen with necessary emergency equipment such as high water vehicles and the state will have 1,000 personnel on duty in the affected areas.
Port Authority expects flights to be cancelled and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will cancel service in Long Island starting at midnight, he said.
He urged locals who live in areas prone to flooding to leave immediately for higher ground.