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Nor'easter Season on Long Island: A Homeowner's Preparation Guide
October 4, 20266 min read
Hurricane season gets the headlines, but nor'easters cause some of the worst flooding and wind damage on Long Island. They often last for days, stacking up several high tides in a row along the South Shore and North Shore.
Why Nor'easters Are So Damaging
- Long duration: strong winds for 24–72 hours
- Coastal flooding: repeated high tides push water into low-lying neighborhoods
- Heavy rain or snow: overwhelms storm drains and sump pumps
- Power outages: stop sump pumps exactly when you need them
Before the Storm
- Test your sump pump and add a battery backup
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Trim dead branches over the roof
- Move valuables off the basement floor
- Photograph your home for insurance records
- Know where your main water and power shutoffs are
During the Storm
Stay off flooded roads, keep phones charged and check the basement regularly if it's safe to do so.
After the Storm
Check for roof leaks, ceiling stains, wet basement walls and fallen trees. Document everything with photos before cleanup, and call your insurer.
Alfa Restorations provides 24/7 storm damage restoration across Nassau and Suffolk. Call (516) 306-7749.
