East Hampton Battens Down Hatches To Prepare for Hermine

EAST HAMPTON, NY — As Hermine churns its deadly path toward East Hampton, town officials are battening down the hatches and working diligently to keep residents safe.

On Saturday, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone declared a state of emergency in Suffolk. Officials have also issued a voluntary evacuation of Fire Island.

A tropical storm warning is now in effect for Long Island as Hermine, now classified as a tropical depression, makes its way up the East Coast.

(For continued updates on the storm, including news on power outages and road closures, sign up for Patch news alerts here.)

East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said a coordination meeting with emergency departments was held on Friday; the town stands ready to close beaches with a decision expected Sunday morning.

Key personnel are on standby for the next several days, Cantwell said; departments and equipment have been prepped and are ready to weather the storm.

In addition, Cantwell said, a meeting will be held Sunday morning to review the forecast and actions to be taken.

"Residents in low lying areas should monitor forecasts and be prepared should evacuation become necessary," Cantwell said.