Heavy rain and strong winds were pounding Long Island Thursday morning, the first day of the Memorial Day weekend getaway.

A coastal flood advisory is in effect for Thursday afternoon as an incoming nor’easter brings easterly winds and up to 2 inches of rain in the area, the National Weather Service said.

James Tomasini, service meteorologist in Upton, said Thursday has seen a ½ to ¾ of an inch of rainfall by midmorning. Long Island could see another inch to 1½ inches.

An unusual May nor’easter set to hit New England on Thursday is to blame for both Long Island’s rainfall and for easterly winds pushing water from the ocean, with gusts up to 40 mph.

The winds were strong enough to create flooding in low-lying areas such as roads or parking lots in vulnerable areas, Tomasini said.

Rainfall was expected to be steady through Thursday night and taper off early Friday.

Showers will be intermittent throughout the day Friday, with highs in the low to mid-60s.

But for those who planned outdoor activities this weekend, don’t fret.

"The weekend won’t be a washout by any means," Tomasini said.

The service expects Saturday to be mostly dry, with a 20 to 50% chance of scattered rain, and highs in the low 60s.

Chances of rain ease Sunday and Monday — the warmest days of the holiday weekend.

Sunday will be mostly dry with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 60s, while Monday will have highs in the lower 70s.

Monday will be mostly sunny through the afternoon, but may have increasing clouds in late afternoon and overnight.

More than 45 million people are expected to travel domestically during the long weekend, according to the AAA, which defines the holiday weekend as beginning Thursday and running through Monday. Those travelers will take trips at least 50 miles from home, AAA said in a statement earlier this month.

Check back for updates on this developing story.