'Earl' May Drown Plans
Labor Day weekend plans may be drenched as Hurricane Earl is expected to gush rain and wind into Long Island.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Category 4 storm was still projected to be more than 200 miles away, but Suffolk County residents will likely see a strong tropical storm Thursday and Friday, said Joe Williams, Suffolk County Fire and Rescue Emergency Services Commissioner.

"We're expecting two to four inches of rain and tropical winds between 30 and 40 miles per hour. It could go up to 50," he said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that Earl will bring powerful rip currents. Riptide accounts for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguard, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association.

Suffolk County advises residents to have a family emergency plan and store at least three days worth of canned food, bottled water and medicine. Those who live along the coast should make plans to stay elsewhere in case of extreme flooding.

Williams met with members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday and was told the agency would be coming in to bring specialized equipment and emergency supplies. Residents are urged to make sure they have battery-powered radios or televisions and extra batteries.

"The biggest thing to plan for is the aftermath," Williams said. "LIPA (Long Island Power Authority) is sending 1,000 extra people in case of power outages."

-LINDNER