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Light Rain Hurricane warning issued for Long Island
Barrier island could be evacuated
Long Island is officially under a hurricane warning, as Hurricane Irene heads up the East Coast and is likely to hit Long Island directly. The storm is expected to hit late Saturday night, but also should pass through by Sunday evening. Still, the storm will bring rain and heavy winds for several hours.
Nassau County has urged residents to take precautions, including knowing where the nearest hurricane shelter is and what the evacuation routes are, as well as stocking up on food, water, batteries, flashlights, and keeping vehicles gassed up. On Friday, County Executive Ed Mangano announced the evacuation of much of the South Shore.
Mangano and representatives from the county's Office of Emergency Management spoke with Ross Dickman, senior meteorologist for the National Weather Service on Thursday. "After reviewing the storm surge and speed of Hurricane Irene," Mangano said, "he believes that Nassau County may experience a direct impact from the hurricane. As such, I have directed the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management to immediately implement its Coastal Storm Plan."
Nassau County Executive Ed ward P. Mangano has announced the cancellation of all Nassau County Parks events and the closing of all Nassau County Parks effective 10:00 p.m. today (August 26th) through Monday, August 29th.
The Office of Emergency Managment also urges all residents south of Sunrise Highway to seek alternative shelter to the north. Officials say residents should plan these arrangements ahead of the storm.
Initial shelter locations will include Nassau Community College, SUNY Farmingdale, and Locust Valley High School. Nassau Community College will also serve as a Special Needs Shelter for those in need of medical attention. Residents with pets will be directed to a specialty shelter at Mitchel Park’s Field House in Uniondale. "Let me be clear," Mangano said, "If the storm track does not change, Nassau County will evacuate the barrier island."
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has already declared a state of emergency for New York, activating all levels of state government to prepare for the storm. Cuomo warned New Yorkers to prepare for serious weather conditions.
The Long Island Railroad is planning service changes for the weekend because of the impending storm.
The Nassau County SPCA also asks residents to keep the safety of their pets in mind. Pets should be part of any evacuation and residents are urged to have the proper-sized carrier for their animal, as well as a current photographer and sufficient food and water.
The Automobile Association of New York has also issues safety trips for travelers.
Valley Stream resident Joanie Wendt said she has been busy securing patio furniture, checking batteries, getting gas for a generator and buying snacks to prepare for Irene's impact.
The National Weather Service has downgraded Irene from a major hurricane to a hurricane, meaning winds from 74 to 110 mph. Most recently, maximum sustainted winds have been clocked at 100 mph. Irene is still expected to be at hurricane strength when it hits the New Jersey shore Sunday morning.
The storm is moving northeast at 13 mph and is expected to hit the coast of the Carolinas on Saturday. Hurricane Irene will hit Long Island by Sundayand will be over New England by Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.
Prepare for Hurricane Irene. See information from your local government:
