Southampton Battens Down Hatches As Possible Tropical Storm Looms

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — With a tropical storm warning in effect for Long Island as Tropical Storm Isaias sweeps up the East Coast, Southampton Town is battening down the hatches.

Heavy rain measuring 2 to 4 inches is expected, with localized amounts up to 6 inches possible. Sustained winds of 40-50 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph, will be possible Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Now is the time to complete preparations to protect life and property, the National Weather service said, adding, "Make sure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding."

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman outlined some of the steps being taken to prepare. The town, he said, is testing and fueling all equipment to prepare for the storm. In addition, they are assessing structures and facilities in hazard prone areas to document pre-storm conditions.

Southampton officials have requested a flyover of the South Shore from Suffolk County to also document pre-storm conditions.

"We’re confirming staff availability for storm response and have communicated current conditions and storm expectations to key departments," Schneiderman said, adding that he had also spoken with PSEG and the Suffolk County Department of Public Works.

During a media briefing on storm operations Monday, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said he'd been in touch with Schneiderman about the area, including Dune Road, which has been hard hit in the past but was also the focus of federal replenishment efforts, including a dredge of the Shinnecock Inlet.

Schneiderman said although the eastern section is in the best shape it's been for many years due to the sand replenishment, water from the bay side could leave Dune Road impassable.

"I expect areas of flooding along low lying portions of Dune Road and other areas that typically flood during storm events," Schneiderman said. "There will be a significant amount of rain associated with this storm."

The supervisor said he is also concerned about prolonged periods of power outages because the trees are full of leaves.

"They will become heavy with water and could snap in the wind or knock down wires," he said. "Many people depend on electricity for medical devices and we all depend on electricity for air-conditioning and refrigeration."

In addition, he said, many are working from home due to the pandemic and reliant upon electricity.

Bellone, too, said that the storm will present unique challenges because officials are also grappling with the coronavirus.

Schneiderman added that although it does not appear that Southampton will take a direct hit from Tropical Storm Isaias, residents and visitors are advised to prepared and use caution.

The town offered tips:

· Follow the latest information on the storm through the National Hurricane Center and local media.

· Report outages to PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0075 or Text “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454)

· Be wary of flooded areas; salt water intrusion can severely damage a vehicle

· Check the town website for beach closings and other local information.

The town will dispatch crews as needed to assist with any emergency during and after the storm, the supervisor said.

"The main threats with this system are expected to involve locally heavy rainfall, strong winds, minor to moderate coastal flooding, along with high surf and dangerous rip currents," the National Weather Service said.

Tropical Storm Isaias, which on Monday afternoon was churning off the north Florida coast, will continue tracking north. Isaias will slowly weaken as it accelerates northeast Tuesday, likely moving over the Long Island area Tuesday afternoon and evening. There is some uncertainty regarding the timing and intensity of the storm, the weather service said.