Long Island Weather: Severe Storms Possible During PM Commute

Long Island dodged the worst of a severe storm system Tuesday that led to a rare tornado warning for parts of New York City and caused damage to a New Jersey school.

Hail was reported in Westhampton Beach around 10 p.m. Tuesday and more parts of the island may see it later in the day Wednesday.

The National Weather Service says thunderstorms are likely on the island from about 4 p.m. until midnight. The highest risk of severe weather will be in Nassau County and western Suffolk County. Damaging winds and hail are the main threats, but an isolated tornado is also possible.

The full forecast:

Wednesday- Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Southeast wind around 7 mph.

Wednesday Night- Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce small hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday- A chance of showers between noon and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night- Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 8 to 11 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday- Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind 9 to 11 mph.

Friday Night- Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Saturday- Sunny, with a high near 77.

Saturday Night- Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Sunday- A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.

Sunday Night- A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.