The remnants of Tropical Storm Ernesto battered Long Island Saturday, leaving thousands of Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) customers in the dark.

LIPA says nearly 100,000 customers were without electricity at the height of the storm. The utility restored service to more than half of those customers Saturday and will work throughout the night. Power is expected to be fully restored by Sunday evening.

While Long Islanders are glad the lights will be back on, they say they?re dreading the cleanup. The strong winds sent trees crashing down on cars and snapped power lines. Meanwhile, the rain turned lawns into lakes in Amityville, Lindenhurst and other regions.

Beaches were also off limits to people hoping to make the most of their Labor Day weekend. Officials say the high surf was too dangerous for swimmers.