Whipping winds and heavy rains wreaked havoc across Long Island Monday, flooding areas low-lying areas and causing scattered power outages.

The streets were flooded early in the day in Massapequa. When the water receded, Gary Tighe made a troubling discovery. "I went to start my car. It wouldn't start at all," he said. The water rose past his tires and got into his engine. The vehicle had to be towed.

Strong winds blew down a wire across parked cars in Great Neck. In West Hempstead, a large tree was toppled. More than 2,000 homes were without power by midday.

A coastal flood warning was issued during the afternoon and forecasters said the tides were about 3 feet above normal.

Winds of up to 50 mph were reported and in many areas major flooding was averted. However, in parts of Freeport, many residents took precautions after they were warned of possible flooding by radio and television.

weather center