Wind Gusts, Rain and Beach Erosion All Expected from Tropical Storm

Residents have been preparing for Hurricane Earl all week and the height of the storm is expected to reach Bayport-Blue Point around 8 p.m. tonight. The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Bayport-Blue Point and all of Southwest Suffolk County, which remains in effect.

According to Rick Gimbl, Director of Emergency Management for the Town of Islip, winds are expected to be sustained at 38 mph and gusts could reach 40-45 mph. 

As of 2 p.m., Earl, a Category 1 storm with 80 mph winds, was headed north-northeast at 21 mph and located 290 miles south-southwest of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy held a press conference at the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) in Yaphank this morning. He was joined by FRES Commissioner Joseph Williams.

Levy, a Bayport resident, said that Smiths Point Beach was already experiencing 14 to 16-foot waves. He advised residents to stay away from the water and noted the beaches would be "rather slim" for the remainder of the season.

"We're expecting major erosion at our beaches, which is quite unfortunate," Levy said. Though they are not allowed to replenish beaches due to federal rules, Levy said police officers were sent to take photographs of the beaches as evidence of the damage.

Long Island MacArthur Airport will remain open today and runways will be available for general aviation aircraft, as well as commercial carriers. Southwest Airlines has canceled all flights after 5 p.m. and US Airways has indicated a plan to continue operations as long as weather conditions permit. The airport is advising travelers to check with their carrier.

Levy, Williams and the Suffolk County Police Department recently reminded residents that during severe weather conditions, it is extremely important to use 911 only for true emergencies. Residents are advised to call their local precinct or (631) 852-COPS to report non-emergency situations to police.

The FRES Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been staffed around the clock, Levy said. A representative from the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) remains in the EOC, Williams said, as are police officers and other emergency personnel to lend their expertise.

According to Gimbl, the Town of Islip EOC is now closed.

As the storm approaches, LIPA suggests residents take the following steps to prepare for the arrival of either a hurricane or tropical storm.

• Never touch or go near fallen wires, even if you think they are safe.
• Make sure you have a working, battery powered radio or TV and a good supply of fresh replacement batteries. Have flashlights available for all family members.
• If an electric pump supplies your water, fill spare food-grade containers with water for cooking and washing in anticipation of a possible power interruption.
• Make sure all motor driven equipment, such as garage door openers, can be operated manually.
• When using a portable generator, make sure all LIPA-powered equipment is disconnected. This will avoid severe hazards when reconnecting the power to your home or business.
• Have a first aid kit at home and check its contents to make sure they are complete and up to date. If you have family members with special medical needs, such as insulin or other prescription drugs, check to make sure you have an adequate supply.
• Do not use charcoal to cook indoors: deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate in your home.
• If you have an elderly neighbor, check on his or her status. Even a quick telephone call during a storm can provide much appreciated assurance that help is nearby if needed.
• Should an electric power interruption occur, all sensitive equipment, such as computers and TV's should be disconnected until service is restored.

To report or check on a power outage, call LIPA's storm center at either 1 (800) 490-0075 or (631) 755-6900. Calls regarding a downed power line should be reported to 911.