Long Islanders can breathe a sigh of relief this morning as a direct hit from Hurricane Joaquin is appearing less and less likely than originally predicted. As of Friday morning, the NWS National Hurricane Center is predicting that the storm will veer well east of Long Island and the US coastline, minimizing any potential damage the hurricane could do. Though it appears increasingly improbable that Joaquin will make landfall, it is important to note that hurricane paths are notoriously unpredictable and such storms can have a lesser effect on areas hundreds of miles away from their center. With any luck, Long Islanders can hope this storm will amount to little more than some more rain and wind over the next several days, but it is advised to keep an eye on weather forecasts until Joaquin has passed.

In the mean time, unfavorable weather independent of the hurricane has already made its way to the region, causing the NWS to issue a Hazardous Weather Outlook. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Long Island until 6pm Friday night, and a High Surf Advisory is expected to remain in place until 6pm on Sunday, October 4th. Rain and wind will likely continue throughout the weekend, and are currently predicted to gradually diminish from Saturday night through Monday afternoon.

For the most up to date weather information, head over to the LongIsland.com Weather Center, where you can find the latest weather forecasts, advisories and more.

To get the latest traffic & road conditions before traveling, visit the LongIsland.com Traffic Center, and be sure to check out the live traffic feeds on our Traffic Cams Page.

[Source: NWS]