Tropical Storm Isaias Forecast Cone Includes Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY — Tropical Storm Isaias on Thursday was battering Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands with sustained 60 mph winds and torrential rain. The storm is expected to track north, coming close to Long Island next week.

A tropical storm warning was issued for the east coast of Florida, with Isaias expected to become a hurricane Friday or Friday night. The storm was heading across the Caribbean Thursday and will likely hit southern Florida Saturday morning before heading up the coast, the National Hurricane Center said.

Isaias is predicted to be off the coast of South Carolina by Monday.

"There is a risk of impacts from winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge this weekend along the Florida east coast and spreading northward along the remainder of the U.S. East Coast through early next week," the NHC said in a 5 p.m. Thursday update on Isaias. "The details of the track and intensity forecast remain uncertain and it is too soon to determine the magnitude and location of these potential impacts, but interests along the entire U.S. East Coast should monitor the progress of Isaias and updates to the forecast."

Isaias could affect Long Island Tuesday into Wednesday, the National Weather Service's New York office said. Long Island is in the storm's so-called "cone of uncertainty." Historical data indicates that the entire 5-day path of the center of a tropical cyclone will remain within the cone about 60-70 percent of the time.

In the short-term, Long Island could see a few strong thunderstorms Thursday evening and again Friday morning.

The main threats of any storms will be frequent lightning, gusty winds and heavy rain, a hazardous weather outlook issued for the region says. Some damaging winds will be possible.

The full forecast:

Thursday Afternoon- Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a steady temperature around 87. Southwest wind around 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night- Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4am. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday- Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Cloudy, with a high near 79. North wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night- Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Saturday- A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Saturday Night- A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Increasing clouds, with a low around 72.

Sunday- A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

Sunday Night- A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Monday- A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.

Monday Night- A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Tuesday- A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.

Tuesday Night- A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Wednesday- A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

Wednesday Night- A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.