PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

The Philippine Consulate General in New York wishes to inform kababayan that the National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service has downgraded Hurricane Henri to a Tropical Storm as it moved closer to the coast of Long Island and New England today.

As of 8 a.m., the center of Henri’s circulation sat about 40 miles south-southeast of Montauk Point, with top winds of 70 mph. It’s moving to the north-northwest at 16 mph, and is expected to make landfall on eastern Long Island or southern New England later today. The change in track reduced the probability that New York City will see sustained tropical storm force winds in excess of 39 mph.

Heavy rainfall is still expected, especially over portions of Long Island, New England, southeast New York, New Jersey and northeast Pennsylvania, which may result in considerable flash, urban, and small stream flooding, along with the potential for widespread minor to isolated moderate river flooding.

The downgraded system continues to pose a storm surge threat for parts of New York City, particularly areas of northeast Queens, where tides may reach three to five feet higher than normal along the Long Island Sound. Rip currents are still expected along other parts of the city’s coast.

Once Tropical Storm Henri makes landfall, it is expected to slow down as it traverses over New England on a north-northwesterly track. It will then turn eastward over Vermont and New Hampshire then back out to sea on Tuesday morning.

The Consulate General still advises members of the Filipino Community residing in the aforementioned areas as well as those living in its surrounding areas to avoid unnecessary travel and to monitor developments on the movement of the storm.

Further, since flooding is still expected, the Consulate General urges our kababayan to continue taking necessary precautions to protect life and property.

The Consulate General will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with the Filipino community in its jurisdiction.

For emergencies requiring the Consulate’s assistance, please call (917) 294-0196 or (917) 239-4118.