175 Homes Without Power Townwide: Supervisor

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Update: 8:40 p.m.: According to East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell, there are about 175 PSEG customers without power townwide; PSEG is on site and estimates restoration overnight. Old Montauk Highway is partially closed due to a fallen pole or tree; emergency personnel have responded. High wind and tides have caused "significant beach erosion," he said, adding that he was not aware of any structures threatened at this time. Overnight rain and wind are likely to cause fallen trees, branches, and fences, Cantwell said.

Original story: East Hampton Town is gearing up for a wild night with Mother Nature as officials prepare for a powerful nor'easter.

East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said, as of around 6 p.m. parts of East Hampton had seen "a little bit of beach erosion. We'll have a much better idea of what we're dealing with in the morning."

Town staffers have been on alert, he said, with the highway department cleaning drains and doing prep work. "We're ready to mobilize if necessary," he said.

East Hampton Town Highway Superintendent Stephen Lynch said the chain saws are out and were tested, to make sure "everything is working," he said. A barricade with cones is hooked up to a truck, in case of road closures, he said.

"The payloader is fueled up and ready to go. Our men have been briefed and are ready to mobilize as needed throughout the night."

The minor beach erosion so far has mostly taken place in Montauk, Lynch said.

Meanwhile, in East Hampton, some school distrits and institutions, such as the YMCA, cancelled after school activities and classes.

Patch file photo.