On Sunday afternoon, parts of south Merrick, south Bellmore under water

Large sections of south Merrick and south Bellmore were under three-feet of water after hurricane Irene passed through Sunday morning. Some streets were impassable, fire department officials observed.

Ron Luparello, Merrick Fire Department spokesman, said that trees had fallen across Merrick, taking power lines with them. A large oak tree at the corner of Florence Street and Riverside Drive was uprooted.

With large sections of Merrick flooded, the fire department had to take alternative routes surveying the storm’s damage. “We had to do a tactical retreat,” Luparello said.

Similar conditions were observed in south Bellmore. At 6 a.m., Bellmore Avenue was under at least three-feet of water and was completely impassable, Vincent Scaduto, Bellmore fire department public information officer said. Manhole covers lifted from the street due to increased pressure from the storm drains in the area, adding to flooding problems.

The flooding in Bellmore reached its height during high tide in the early hours of Sunday morning. No rescues were called into the fire department and there were no reports of accidents or injury, Scaduto said. Downed trees also knocked out power in many parts of south Bellmore. Scaduto said that power was out in the vicinity of Bellmore Avenue and Short Street.

As of this morning, cars could be seen lining up down Hewlett Avenue returning to south Merrick, Luparello said. Though residents may wish to return to their homes, Scaduto encouraged those who do so to take caution. Call the police to report any downed wire or trees you may observe. “Don’t touch anything,” he cautioned. “Just call it in.”

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