Brookhaven Supe Urges Residents Prep For Tropical Storm Henri

FARMINGVILLE, NY — Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine warned residents to be prepared, urging them on Thursday to take advantage of the town’s 2021 Hurricane Survival Guide, as Tropical Storm Henri moves up the East Coast toward Long Island.

The storm comes close to the 10th anniversary of another tropical storm — that of Tropical Storm Irene — which ravaged the south shore with flooding and wind damage in August 2011. One year later, in 2012, a storm surge during Superstorm Sandy left hundreds of residents living along the waterfront displaced.

"Brookhaven Town has many miles of coastline, which makes us vulnerable to hurricanes and other severe weather conditions," Romaine said, adding, "Residents need to be informed and prepared to stay safe. So, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Henri, I encourage everyone to take the time to read the guide and take action now.”

Brookhaven officials are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Henri, which is predicted to reach hurricane status on Friday in the early morning hours with some storm tracking models showing it moving to the region Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening, Romaine said.

Meteorologists expect Henri will only reach tropical storm status on Long Island, he said.

Winds from Tropical Storm Henri may begin to be felt in the region as early as Saturday night, and a storm surge and rip currents can be expected, according to Romaine.

The 2021 Hurricane Survival Guide is designed to help residents prepare for a hurricane and other severe weather incidents and covers preparations and procedures for hurricane scenarios. It includes hurricane surge maps, which show how different areas might be impacted by hurricanes of varying intensities.

It also contains important phone numbers residents should be aware of, tips, a Family Disaster Supplies Kit checklist, and tear sheets for use at either home or work.

The 2021 Hurricane Survival Guide is available on the Town’s website at www.BrookhavenNY.gov.