Nor'easter Preparations Underway In East Hampton As Countdown Continues Toward Storm's Impact

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Time to batten down the hatches: The Town of East Hampton is taking precautionary steps ahead of a coastal storm expected to slam eastern Long Island Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27.

The National Weather Service is monitoring a developing coastal low that could bring strong winds, rough surf, beach erosion and coastal flooding to the area — the first nor'easter of the season on Long Island.

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There remains some uncertainty about the exact track of the storm and the severity of its impacts, the NWS has said.

A gale warning remains in effect for the ocean waters from Moriches Inlet to Montauk Point through Friday afternoon. A small craft advisory is in effect for Peconic and Gardiners Bays through Friday morning, followed by a gale warning from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, town officials said.

A high rip current risk also remains in effect for southeast Suffolk through Friday afternoon. A storm watch is also in effect beginning late Thursday night for Block Island Sound and adjacent waters east of Montauk, where storm-force wind gusts are possible Friday into Saturday, town officials said.

On Wednesday, East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez and Deputy Town Supervisor David Lys met with Police Chief Michael Sarlo, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Bruce Bates, Highway Superintendent Steve Lynch, Chief Harbormaster Timothy Treadwell, Town Maintenance Supervisor Steven O'Brien, and Public Information Officer Patrick Derenze to coordinate preparations and response plans ahead of the storm, officials said.

Town departments and personnel are preparing for storm-related conditions and will continue to monitor the forecast as it develops. Storm drains and catch basins have been cleared, lifeguarding equipment has been removed from beach areas, and equipment and personnel are being readied to respond as needed, officials added.

"Yesterday, we brought the town officials and department leaders involved in our storm response together to make sure we are prepared and working from the same plan," said Burke-Gonzalez. "Our teams know their roles, they are preparing now, and we will stay in close communication as the storm develops. We want everyone in our community to know that we are watching this closely, we are ready to respond, and we will keep you informed as conditions change."

"We're asking residents to take a few simple steps now to help keep themselves, their families and their property safe," said Lys. "Secure outdoor items, pay close attention to conditions around high tide, stay away from dangerous surf and never drive through a flooded roadway. A little preparation now can make a real difference as the storm moves through."

Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, garbage and recycling containers, and other objects that could be moved by strong winds. Those in low-lying or waterfront areas should pay particular attention to conditions around high tide, officials said.

Dangerous surf and hazardous marine conditions are expected as the storm approaches. Boaters and beachgoers should closely monitor National Weather Service forecasts and advisories, officials said.

Residents who lose power should report the outage directly to PSEG Long Island. Outages can be reported by calling 1-800-490-0075, through the PSEG Long Island app or online, or by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454). Residents can text STAT to the same number for outage status information.

Downed power lines should always be treated as live and dangerous. Residents should stay well away from downed wires and report them immediately by calling PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0075 or 911 in an emergency. PSEG Long Island advises that downed wires must be reported by phone, officials said.

Non-emergency reports of downed trees, large branches or roadway flooding may be made to the East Hampton Town Police Department at 631-537-7575. For emergencies, call 911.

The town will continue monitoring the forecast and will provide additional information as conditions warrant, officials said.

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