Coastal storm possible this week on Long Island, winds ramping up but storm track still uncertain

Life-threatening rip currents, possible coastal flooding, more rain and potential winds of 50 mph could are in the Long Island forecast this week.

On Monday, meteorologists were tracking the path of an Atlantic storm that could bring showers and high winds by Thursday that continue through the weekend.

Tuesday's forecast calls for dry conditions, gusts of up to 18 mph and mostly cloudy skies, with a high of 68 degrees and an overnight low of 56, according to the National Weather Service.

A rip current statement goes into effect Tuesday at 6 a.m. and continues until 8 p.m. at all ocean beaches, according to the weather service. Gusts could top 30 mph on Wednesday and coastal flooding is possible at high tide, the weather service said.

Forecasters will continue "monitoring the potential for impacts" due to the storm, the weather said in a Monday afternoon alert. The winds have the potential to produce high surf conditions and possible beach erosion. 

While it was to too early Monday to predict if the storm will hit Long Island or remain off shore, Newsday meteorologist Geoff Bansen said the main concern is potential coastal flooding.

"It's going to be a bit of a gloomier week," Bansen said. "Whether we get a storm near or far ... it's still going to cause some issues."

There are two weather models that forecasters are examining. The GFS, or American weather model, predicts a weekend storm will stay out to sea, avoiding Long Island.

This European weather model, however, predicts Long Island will get hit with a storm. Both models are forecasts that will be updated as the storm draws closer.

Depending on how close to the coast the storm tracks, Long Island could receive 50 mph winds, National Weather Service meteorologist Jay Engle told Newsday.

"The storm track is still fairly uncertain," Engle said in a Monday afternoon telephone interview. "The chances of rain start to increase Thursday night, Friday, Friday night and during the day Saturday. We might see some improvement later in the weekend."

Bansen warned boaters and swimmers of potentially dangerous conditions, especially during higher tides with Saturday’s full moon.

"We're going to have a persistent onshore flow all week long," Bansen said.