Storm Batters Southampton, Sparks Flooding, Outages: Photos

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — With winds whipping the area, floating docks adrift and major flooding reported in areas all across town, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman has issued a coastal hazard advisory.

Schneiderman said he issued the advisory in light of the prevailing and predicted weather for the next two days.

On Friday, the fierce winter storm "pounded some coastal areas in Southampton Town causing closures of seven roads," Schneiderman said.

The water started to recede Friday afternoon but during high tides, Southampton Town Police closed large sections of Dune Road, Sebonac Inlet Road from Whites Lane to the National Golf Course, Shrubland Road in the vicinity of the boat ramp, Cold Spring Harbor Road, Towd Point Road north of the bridge, Long Neck Boulevard north by Peconic Bay and Royal Road by Peconic Bay, the supervisor said.

The roads are being re-opened as the water recedes.

The town also experienced several power outages from down tree limbs on wires, he said.

Officials are bracing for possible strong gusty winds throughout Friday night, Scheiderman said. Police will be watching the next high tide, which takes place at 6:30 p.m. in Flanders and 8 p.m. at the Shinnecock Inlet, for additional flooding.

Residents are asked to stay indoors and notify the proper authorities about any downed wires.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal storm warning for all of Suffolk County including the Town of Southampton, and Southampton Town residents should take necessary precautions in light of the predicted high winds, coastal flooding, and heavy rain, Schneiderman said.

The National Weather Service, he said, has predicted "extreme damaging winds with gusts of 50 to 70 mph on Eastern Long Island throughout tonight," he said. "These winds are capable of downing or damaging trees or power lines and will make travel difficult for high profile vehicles. "

Minor to moderate coastal flooding has been predicted along the shorelines and low lying areas adjacent to the shoreline of the Peconic Bay, South Shore bays, and Atlantic Ocean areas of Southampton, the supervisor said.

Storm surges of up to three and a half feet above the normal high tide are predicted, which could raise water elevations to as much as seven feet above sea level, Scheiderman said.

"The NWS predicts coastal storm Riley to persist through Sunday, thus there will be at least two more high tides in the coastal area during the storm," he said. "Residents in low lying areas should take necessary precautions including evacuation if necessary."

Heavy rains associated with coastal storm Riley may accumulate up to four inches; storm water runoff associated with the heavy rains may create localized flooding in areas of poor drainage, even in areas farther from the shoreline, Scheiderman said.

He added that residents should exercise extreme caution when making their way through the flooded areas.

The magnitude of coastal flooding will depend on the specific storm track over the next 24 hours; residents should stay tuned to local media outlets for the latest changes and advisories, Schneiderman said.

To report an emergency or downed wires, contact Southampton Town Police at 631-728-5000 or PSEGLI at 1-800-490-0075.

Patch courtesy photos.