When Does Hurricane Season Affect Long Island?

Storm damage and emergency response in a Long Island residential neighborhood following a tropical storm or hurricane impact
Storm damage in a residential Long Island neighborhood following a severe weather event. While direct hurricane landfalls are uncommon, Long Island frequently experiences flooding, wind damage, and infrastructure impacts from tropical storms and hurricane remnants. These effects are most likely during the peak Atlantic hurricane season in late summer and early fall. File photo: Ron Adar, licensed.

Hurricane season is often associated with the southern Atlantic and Gulf Coast, but Long Island is also affected by Atlantic hurricane season every year. While direct hurricane landfalls are less common, Long Island regularly experiences impacts from tropical storms, remnants of hurricanes, coastal flooding, and strong winds.

This page explains when hurricane season affects Long Island, which months pose the greatest risk, and how the region is typically impacted.

Atlantic Hurricane Season: The Official Timeline

For Long Island and the rest of the U.S. East Coast, hurricane season follows the official Atlantic hurricane season established by federal weather agencies.

  • Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30
  • Storm activity historically peaks later in the season

Although storms can occasionally form outside this window, the vast majority of storms affecting Long Island occur within these dates.

When Long Island Is Most Likely to Be Affected

Not all months carry the same level of risk.

Highest-Risk Period for Long Island
  • Late August through September

This period aligns with:

  • Peak Atlantic ocean temperatures
  • Increased storm formation
  • Historical patterns of Northeast storm impacts

Some of the most significant storms to affect Long Island have occurred during this late-summer to early-fall window.

Early Season vs. Late Season Impacts

Early Season (June – July)
  • Storms are less frequent
  • Impacts are more likely to come from:
    • Heavy rain
    • Gusty winds
    • Offshore systems passing nearby
Peak Season (August – September)
  • Highest likelihood of:
    • Tropical storms
    • Hurricane remnants
    • Coastal flooding
    • Power outages
  • Long Island is more vulnerable to storms tracking up the East Coast
Late Season (October – November)
  • Fewer storms overall
  • Systems that do occur may:
    • Move quickly
    • Bring heavy rain and strong winds
    • Combine with nor’easter-type conditions

How Hurricanes Typically Affect Long Island

Long Island is more likely to experience indirect or weakened storm impacts rather than direct major hurricane landfalls.

Common impacts include:

  • Coastal flooding and storm surge, especially on the South Shore
  • Beach erosion
  • Downed trees and power outages
  • Heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding
  • Transportation disruptions

Even storms that make landfall far to the south can still significantly affect Long Island as they move northward.

Why Long Island’s Geography Matters

Long Island’s location makes it particularly sensitive to certain storm tracks.

Key factors include:

  • Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean
  • Extensive coastline along the South Shore
  • Barrier islands and low-lying coastal communities
  • Dense population and infrastructure

Storms that track parallel to the East Coast often pose the greatest risk to the region.

Hurricane Preparedness Timing on Long Island

Because of the seasonal pattern, preparedness efforts typically increase:

  • Late spring: Review emergency plans and supplies
  • Early summer: Monitor early-season activity
  • Late summer: Heightened readiness and alerts
  • Fall: Continued monitoring until the season ends

Municipalities, utilities, and emergency agencies generally align preparedness efforts with this timeline.

Common Misconceptions

  • Hurricanes do not only affect southern states
  • Long Island does not need a direct landfall to experience damage
  • Storm impacts can occur well after peak tourist season
  • Late-season storms can still cause significant disruption

Nassau vs. Suffolk County Considerations

While hurricane season timing is the same across Long Island:

  • South Shore communities tend to face higher flooding risk
  • Barrier island areas are more vulnerable to storm surge
  • Inland areas may experience greater tree and power line damage

County emergency management agencies coordinate preparedness but may issue localized guidance.

In Summary

  • Hurricane season affecting Long Island runs from June 1 through November 30
  • Late August and September represent the highest risk period
  • Long Island most often experiences indirect storm impacts rather than direct landfalls
  • Coastal flooding, wind damage, and power outages are the most common effects

Understanding the timing and nature of hurricane season helps residents, businesses, and municipalities prepare appropriately.

Editorial Note

This page provides general timing and impact information based on long-standing Atlantic hurricane patterns. It is not a forecast and should not replace official weather advisories or emergency guidance.

Maintained by LongIslandGuide.com

This explainer is maintained as a neutral reference for understanding when hurricane season typically affects Long Island and how seasonal risk changes throughout the year.