N.Y. governor declares state of emergency as Hurricane Henri nears coast

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A State of Emergency has been declared for 24 counties in New York State as Hurricane Henri threatens to make landfall on Long Island Sunday morning, Aug. 22.

The storm, which is expected to be near hurricane strength when it makes landfall, is forecast to affect coastal areas with dangerous storm surge, as well as heavy rainfall, dangerous surf conditions, and widespread power outages.

Gov, Andrew Cuomo is also requesting President Biden declare a pre-landfall emergency declaration. This federal declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance to New Yorkers, in the aftermath of Henri and its impacts.


Huge clouds loom over Manhattan as Hurricane Henri is expected to arrive in New York, Aug. 20, 2021.

The declaration provides assistance for measures taken to save lives, protect property, and address public health and safety issues.

"New Yorkers are no strangers to the damage that is possible after dealing with a hurricane - we experienced it with Superstorm Sandy and Henri is set to be that level of storm," said Cuomo, whose resignation as New York governor takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23. "We were given less notice to prepare for Henri because of shifting models, and while there is still time for the storm to shift again, I encourage New Yorkers to take this seriously.

"Plan for power outages, stock up on necessary supplies, and avoid flooding areas. The state is deploying resources and we will do everything we can to ensure damage is minimal and the people of this state stay safe."

Henri live updates: New York declares state of emergency, braces for landfall

Tropical Storm Henri strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane Saturday morning.

abcnews.go.com