Black Friday Madness Sparks Major Traffic Woes

RIVERHEAD, NY — The shimmering mirage of Black Friday savings brought scores of motorists to Riverhead roads, sparking traffic woes for miles.

According to one North Fork resident, traffic was at a standstill at Exit 72 on the Long Island Expressway at 1 p.m., with hundreds of cars headed to Tanger for Black Friday fun.

"It's Black Friday insanity," said Hampton Bays resident Dorothy Marino. "After seeing this it really makes me wonder why these stores think they need to open on Thanksgiving."

But others turned to social media to express excitement about yearly Black Friday shopping excursions — and massive sales — that have become beloved family traditions.

According to Riverhead Town Police, the traffic snarls were nothing out of the ordinary. "It’s the same as every other year same," Riverhead Police said. At one point on Friday, only one entrance to Tanger was open, police said, with traffic backed up all the way onto the LIE.

With parking lots at Tanger full, Marino said she saw shoppers parking in lots on the other side of Route 58 and walking across.

Tanger wasn't the only place in Riverhead with crowds, as sale-seekers headed to a wide array of retail establishments to stock up on post-Thanksgiving savings.

No accidents related to the traffic were reported, police said.

Tanger representatives did not immediately return a call for comment.

Patch courtesy photos.