As of Sunday, Sept. 12 forecasters were warning the Eastern Seaboard about a level two hurricane with winds of 110 m.p.h. which had bypassed the Caribbean and was headed for the Bahamas and the southeastern United States. Within days of the initial warning, Florida was sighing with relief as the storm passed the state and made its way north while states from the Carolinas to Massachusetts were preparing for winds up to 135 m.p.h. and extensive beach erosion.

By Thursday, Sept. 16, forecasters were issuing alerts and both New Jersey and Suffolk County had declared states of emergency. Schools were closed in New Jersey and New York City and Mayor Giuliani was visiting areas throughout the five boroughs trying to prepare residents for the possible disaster to come. Nassau County residents along the south shore worked to sandbag areas between homes and the beach and notice of possible evacuations of the south shore was given. Shelters were readied for residents and businesses throughout the county closed early, affording employees the opportunity to make it home before the storm hit.

By the weekend the rain had ended and the sky was blue. Residents of Garden City emerged to find some branches down and a couple of split trees, but no serious damage. Village Administrator Robert Schoelle commented Monday morning, "We were really blessed that the storm passed us without any serious problems." Power managed to stay on during the storm and life has gone on without major inconvenience or disturbances.