Staten Island weather: Be prepared for gusty showers in part of New York Wednesday night

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Wednesday at 8:46 p.m. for gusty showers until 9:45 p.m. for Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, New York (Manhattan), Bronx, Richmond, Kings, Suffolk, Queens and Nassau counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 8:43 p.m., Doppler radar tracked gusty showers along a line extending from near Wingdale to Nyack to near Huguenot. Movement was east at 55 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Rainy day rules: How to stay safe in heavy precipitation

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

• Do not play in or around culverts or drainage ditches as swiftly moving water that occurs during heavy rain can sweep you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

• Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

• If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

• Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

• Turn on your headlights.
• Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

• Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

• Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray…