Politics & Government

Islip Prepares For Winter Storm

Town officials keep close watch on shore front areas vulnerable to flooding.

With a powerful Nor’easter forecast to hit Long Island on Wednesday, Islip Town officials are keeping a watchful eye on high tides that are expected to be as much as 3.5 feet above normal.

“Localized flooding in our vulnerable areas is always of concern,” said Inez Birbiglia, a town spokesperson.

Park Rangers from the Department of Public Safety will be dispatched to areas of West Islip and Oakdale to monitor possible flooding. These areas were devastated by floodwaters during Hurricane Sandy.

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In addition, as snow begins to accumulate the town will be dispatching crews to monitor hilly areas of Ronkonkoma to allow for proper allocation of snow removal crews in the area, she said. The current forecast calls for as much as eight inches of snow to fall over the next two days.

The town is also preparing all snow removal equipment, DPW workers are checking drainage basins to make sure they are clear and in-ground pumps in West Islip and Bay Shore are being tested.

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Birbiglia said the town would not be pre-treating streets prior to the storm as the event is expected to begin as rain, which would wash away the brine used to melt the initial layer of frozen precipitation that falls on roadways.

She also stressed that residents should adhere to the town code and refrain from parking on local streets to allow crews to effectively remove snow.

Residents needing to report an emergency should call 224-5600.


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