Red Cross, PSEGLI urge Long Islanders to prepare for hurricane season as flood risks rise
During a hurricane preparedness conference the Huntington Hilton, the American Red Cross, PSEG Long Island and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) highlighted the growing threat of heavy rain and inland flooding.
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With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season set to begin June 1, emergency officials and utility leaders gathered in Melville this week to deliver a clear message to Long Island residents: prepare now — and take flooding seriously.
During a hurricane preparedness conference the Huntington Hilton, the American Red Cross, PSEG Long Island and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) highlighted the growing threat of heavy rain and inland flooding, even during what forecasters predict will be a below-average season.
“Just one storm can cause devastating impacts,” said Jose Dominguez, CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island. "This year, NOAA's predicting a below average hurricane season with 8 to 14 named storms... but we cannot let that create a false sense of security because... it only takes one storm to cause devastating impacts.
“The biggest risk today is not just wind — it’s water,” he said, emphasizing that severe rainfall and flash flooding are becoming more common and dangerous. “Flooding can happen quickly in neighborhoods that have never flooded before.”
Officials stress that preparation is critical before any storm approaches. Residents are encouraged to assemble emergency kits, create evacuation and shelter-in-place plans, and understand their flood risk. Drivers are also reminded never to attempt to travel through flooded roadways.
Utility providers echoed the importance of readiness and coordination ahead of major weather events. PSEG Long Island President and CEO Scott Jennings said the company conducts regular hurricane drills and has made significant investments to strengthen the region’s electric system.
“We’ve hardened the system to make it more reliable, so there are fewer outages and when they do occur, they affect fewer customers,” Jennings said. He added that Long Island’s power grid now ranks among the most reliable in New York State and in the top 10% nationwide. Still, he acknowledged that outages remain a possibility during severe storms.
“We can ’t control the weather,” Jennings said, “but we can be prepared to respond quickly and effectively.” He expressed preparation efforts also extend to improving communication with customers, ensuring they receive timely updates during emergencies, and coordinating closely with local and regional agencies.
LIPA CEO Carrie Gallagher praised the collaborative response efforts between utilities and emergency organizations, highlighting the Red Cross’ vital role after storms pass.
“While we focus on restoring electric power, the Red Cross ensures families and their pets are safe, secure and cared for,” Gallagher said. “That support is invaluable.”
Another key concern raised by officials was the growing need for volunteers. The Red Cross noted that volunteers make up 90 percent of its workforce and are essential to disaster response operations.
“As disasters increase, so does the need for people willing to step up and help their neighbors,” Dominguez said, urging Long Islanders to consider volunteering.
With hurricane season running through November 30, officials emphasize that preparation today could make a life-saving difference tomorrow.
“The message is simple,” Dominguez said. “Prepare now. Be ready for flooding. And take this season seriously — no matter the forecast.”
