GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (1010 WINS/AP) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency is sending hurricane preparedness supplies to Long Island as early as the end of next week.
That's the word from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Rep. Peter King, who have been pushing for the supplies because of Long Island's vulnerable position on the Atlantic Ocean.
The lawmakers say FEMA will be sending four 48-foot containers with nonperishable items including tents, tarps, generators and first-aid kits. The containers are scheduled to be sent to the Yaphank office of Suffolk County's fire, rescue and emergency services commission.
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This comes as Bermuda issues a tropical storm watch as Hurricane Bertha approaches the area.
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Forecasters say tropical storm conditions are possible in the area by late Saturday night. Bertha has already been producing large swells and high surf there, and that's expected to continue over the next few days.
The Atlantic season's first hurricane has maximum sustained winds of about 85 mph with some higher gusting. It's traveling northwest at about 6 mph and is expected to turn north in the next 24 hours. It could be close to the island by Saturday.
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Forecasters says the strength of the Category 1 storm could fluctuate in the next couple of days.
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