Preparations for a monster storm forecast to hit parts of the US north-east were stepped up on Saturday, after Henri was promoted to a hurricane as it moved closer to land.
Forecasters said Henri would be at or near category one hurricane strength when it made landfall mid-afternoon Sunday over Long Island in New York and southern Connecticut. New England has not taken a direct hit from a hurricane since Bob, a category two storm, hit in 1991.
Forecasters also said a dangerous storm surge could also occur as early as late Saturday in portions of Rhode Island and south-eastern Massachusetts and high water could also be seen in coastal New England as Henri moves inland. Heavy rain and wind may also produce flooding, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. » | Lauren Aratani in New York and agencies | Saturday, August 21, 2021
