Topline
The storm strengthened to a hurricane on Saturday. It is moving toward the northeastern U.S., making it the first hurricane that has made landfall in New England for more than 30 years.
On Saturday, Hurricane Henri will move northward towards the northeastern United States. NOAA
The Key Facts
Henri was classified as a Category 1 Hurricane on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds were 75 mph according to the National Hurricane Center's most recent advisory. The hurricane warning is in place for eastern Long Island, from New Haven, Conn. to Rhode Island, and the extreme western parts of Massachusetts' coastline. According to the National Hurricane Center, Henri will make landfall on Long Island Sunday evening. Henri will then make another landfall in New England "at or close to hurricane strength." Forecasters warn Saturday that a storm surge of up five feet is possible in Long Island Sound. It will extend eastward to Massachusetts and Nantucket Sound. A lot of "flash, small-scale, and urban flooding" could be possible in the northeastern U.S. where rainfall could reach 10 inches. Henri will move slowly through the region on Sunday and Monday. This is unusual for storms affecting Northeast. New York City and northern New Jersey are currently under tropical storm warnings as the hurricane's windsfield will expand. This could bring about impacts far from the center.
Important Quote
Forecasters stated that the environment is favorable for Henri to continue gaining strength through tonight, but the storm could weaken just before it makes landfall due to its passage over cooler waters.
Surprising Fact
Since Hurricane Bob, 1991, when Hurricane Bob made landfall in New England as a Category 2 hurricane on August 19, 1991.
Important Background
Henri's path toward the U.S. represents a surprising shift in forecasting. The U.S. coast wasn't included in Henri's five-day forecasted path. Henri is expected to move out of Bermuda's southwest position. Henri's track has been shifted hundreds of miles west due to changes in the expected patterns. Forecasters note that the track across New England is now high-confidence, and "the steering pattern seems fairly well established now."
What to Watch
New Yorkers may be able to respond to the storm's impact on Long Island by transferring gubernatorial powers. Governor Andrew Cuomo's resignation will take effect Tuesday. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will take over the governorship.
Continue reading
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Kathy Hochul is the Woman Who Replacing Cuomo as New York's Governor. (Forbes)
