With the National Weather Service ramping up its snow total and wind speed predictions for the East End, local officials are asking residents to take action to protect their properties and families.
“All cars should be moved out of the parking lot south of Main Street,” Supervisor Sean Walter said this afternoon. “We expect a storm surge of two to three feet above normal, exacerbated by the winds of this massive nor’easter,” he said.
“We don’t anticipate flooding like Sandy, but residents should take appropriate precautions,” Walter said.
Earlier this afternoon, the National Weather Service upgraded its previously issued flood watch to a flood warning for the East End.
The town is putting out code red calls to residents along Creek Road and south of Peconic Bay Boulevard in South Jamesport, advising them to move vehicles and other property from low-lying areas typically affected by storm-surge flooding.
A town-wide travel ban will take effect at 10 p.m. tonight, the supervisor said. A state of emergency will be declared, he said.
Earlier today, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said a travel ban on all major state roadways, including the L.I. Expressway, would take effect at 11 p.m.
Eastern Long Island will bear the brunt of the storm in New York, according to the National Weather Service. Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour are expected.
Walter said he participated in a conference call with the Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services commissioner this afternoon and learned that snowfall amounts across the East End are now expected to be in the 24- to 36-inch range, with locally higher amounts possible due to snow banding.
Wind gusts of up to 70 mph, with sustained winds from the north in the 20 to mph range, are now being forecast by the weather service.
Cuomo said residents should expect power outages and “some degree of discomfort” during this storm.
“I think everybody should just hunker down and stay home tomorrow and enjoy the white rain,” Walter said.
Check RiverheadLOCAL’s updated list of closings and cancellations here. Stay in touch and join the conversation with RiverheadLOCAL’s live blog storm coverage.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
