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Tropical Storm Watch In Effect For Suffolk County As Jose Expected To Bring Coastal Flooding

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Preparations continue on Long Island as Tropical Storm Jose is expected to bring storms and coastal flooding to the area.

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for Suffolk County on Long Island.

New York state officials have deployed members of the National Guard and specialized emergency response units to prepare for potentially severe weather.

Tracking Jose: Forecast | Alerts | Radar

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says 100 members of the National Guard, 13 members of an urban search and rescue team, and 20 high-axle vehicles will set up a command post at a welcome center on the Long Island Expressway in Dix Hills in Suffolk County.

"We have deployed equipment from all across the state that has come down that might be relevant to the weather patterns we're seeing here," Cuomo said. "Members of the 106 Air Wing Power Jumpers who just got back from Texas and Florida where they were on duty helping out there, and they're with us today to help us out today."

Cuomo says the facility will be open to members of the public seeking shelter during the storm.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said they've been working for days to prepare for Jose, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.

"Making sure all our vehicles are inspected, ready to go, topped off," he said. "All of our equipment that deals with downed trees, clearing roadways, our high-axle vehicles, making sure they're ready in case of coastal flooding."

Meanwhile, crews at Jones Beach moved sheds and life guard stands ahead of the storm, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.

"We are concerned about erosion and we are concerned about the damage the flooding could cause," New York State Parks Deputy Regional Director George Gorman.

Residents in low-lying areas along the south shore are doing all they can to prepare against the possible punishing effects of tropical storm force winds.

"We pulled in one boat and pulled in the lawn furniture, battening down to make sure nothing is flying around," Mastic Beach resident Cathryn Kobasiuk said.

Ocean water is already pooling in areas typically covered in sand and beach chairs and blankets. Families have been getting in what last-minute fun they can before the rain.

"Obviously my son is having a blast but I'm a little worried what is going to happen to the beach," said Massapequa Park resident Danna Neal.

In Montauk, powerful waves are already churning up to the dunes.

Chain saws, bucket trucks and generators are also at the ready in Hempstead, where town officials are urging residents to take necessary steps at home and with their boats to prepare.

"Get it out of the water. If you can't, double up the lines, secure it to where it's moored," said Town Supervisor Anthony Santino. "Make sure anything on the boat is secured because its really going to be a high wind event."

Lindenhurst homeowners like Denise Jablonski know the whipping winds, beach erosion, and neighborhood flooding are all fair game this time of year, but they're always worried ahead of a hurricane like Jose.

"When you live on the water you know how to prepare, but it's nerve wracking," she told CBS2's Jessica Layton.

One resident was out sandbagging early Tuesday morning.

"With all the rain you're getting and the surge, that's what you've got to worry about," he told WCBS 880' Marla Diamond.

Video from Fire Island shows waves crashing through a shoreline fence, pounding the beach.

At the Jersey shore, rip currents are a concern. One boat nearly lost control and crashed into the shoreline rocks due to strong waves from Manasquan Inlet.

There are also concerns about power outages. PSEG Long Island is calling back crews from Florida who have been helping out following Hurricane Irma.

"Always have to think about how much damage will be done," said beach goer Jeff Huey.

Jose has already stirred up dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast, though forecasters said the storm was unlikely to make landfall.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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