Thursday, October 1, 2026
The nor’easter continued to pound the South Shore on Sunday, leaving Valley Stream dealing with downed trees, flooding, a water main break and continuing concerns about dangerous winds and rising tides.
Wind gusts in Valley Stream reached 34 mph Sunday, while 1.33 inches of rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours. Another inch was expected over the next 24 hours.
The storm’s effects were already being felt across the village Saturday.
The Valley Stream Volunteer Fire Department responded to multiple emergencies as strong winds and heavy rain moved through the area. At East Beverly Parkway and North Corona Avenue, a large tree crashed onto a home, according to the department.
Earlier Saturday, another tree fell on Heatherfield Road, blocking one of the entrances to the Mill Brook community. It was removed about two hours later.
Firefighters continued responding to storm-related calls throughout the day and remained prepared for additional emergencies Sunday. The department urged residents to stay away from downed trees and power lines and to avoid unnecessary travel.
The storm also disrupted water service Saturday after a water main break at Camdike Street and West Jamaica Avenue.
Anthony Capone, a former Valley Stream fire chief, said the village and water company were aware of the break and expected repairs to take place between Saturday and Monday. Water service in the area was expected to be shut off while the work was completed.
The Long Island Rail Road’s Long Beach Branch also remained suspended Sunday between Valley Stream and Long Beach because of flooding near Island Park. Shuttle buses were being provided between the two stations.
The village had prepared for the storm, but officials said the combination of rainfall and high tides created challenges that could not be eliminated.
Valley Stream Mayor Edwin Fare said Saturday that about five trees had fallen throughout the village. The village’s tree crew was called in to handle larger trees and emergencies requiring immediate attention.
“Our early preparations in advance of the storm have helped us to stay on top of the situation, especially through last night’s deteriorating conditions,” Fare said.
Village facilities, including Hendrickson Park, Barrett Park, the Valley Stream Community Center, village playgrounds and the Valley Stream Pool, were closed to the public Saturday and Sunday.
Flooding was expected to remain a concern as high tides and the full moon added to the amount of water moving along the South Shore.
“Although all our storm drains were cleared ahead of the bad weather, we must endure the same flooding conditions we are seeing throughout South Shore communities all the way up and down the coast,” Fare said. “There is simply nowhere for the tidal conditions and rainfall to go.”
The storm was not limited to Valley Stream. Nassau County officials said Saturday that crews were working to keep roads open and respond to flooding, while high winds brought down trees across the county.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the county had received about 3 inches of rain Saturday and expected the total to reach roughly 5 inches.
Blakeman also warned that saturated ground could lead to more trees coming down and said PSEG Long Island crews could not always immediately repair downed wires because high winds made it unsafe to operate bucket trucks.
The South Shore remained under a coastal flood warning, high surf advisory and high wind warning Sunday.
For Valley Stream, however, the effects were already visible throughout the village — from a tree blocking a neighborhood entrance to a damaged home and a water main break leaving residents without service.
Fare said the village was documenting storm-related expenses, including manpower and equipment costs, as officials pursue possible reimbursement through FEMA and other programs.
“We will aggressively seek to recoup any funds for which we may qualify,” Fare said.
Residents with village-related questions can call 516-825-8494 (tel:516-825-8494). Emergencies should be reported to 911.
