Governor warns residents to avoid water as heavy coastal storm nears

The governor issued a blunt life-safety warning as a powerful coastal storm approaches: "Anyone who goes in or near the water this weekend is literally gambling with their life," he said, urging residents to stay away from beaches, inlets and flooded streets.

The governor said Long Island could see 4 to 6 inches of rain over the next three days and New York City now is forecast to receive 3 to 6 inches. He warned of "waves as tall as 20 feet in some areas" and gusts already exceeding 50 miles per hour on Long Island, with isolated gusts of about 51 mph in New York City and the potential for winds up to 60 mph at the storm's height. "Don't take this lightly," he added.

State emergency management field teams are coordinating with local partners across Long Island, New York City and the lower Hudson Valley, the governor said. He told the public that swiftwater rescue teams have been deployed to Suffolk and Nassau counties and are ready to respond if needed, and that the state Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority have personnel and equipment pre-positioned statewide.

Officials warned of multiple hazards including downed trees and power lines, potential power outages, and isolated flash flooding. The governor closed by urging residents to "Keep monitoring local forecasts. Stay vigilant, stay dry, stay alert, and stay safe this weekend."