Nassau now under coastal flood advisory; riptides still a concern

As of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Suffolk County remained under a tropical storm warning, while Nassau was under a coastal flood advisory, according to the National Weather Service. 

The storm was expected to continue to move east into the Atlantic Ocean, though its outer bands could swirl westward and impact Long Island, particularly the eastern half of the Island.

The NWS downgraded the threat of heavy rain, but there was the possibility of light rain and heavy wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour later in the day into Tuesday. Ocean rip currents remained an imminent threat. 

Tropical storms are defined by high winds, heavy rains and higher-than-normal tides. They can be life-threatening.  

The Town of Hempstead offered these tips to prepare for the storm: 

-Listen to local radio/TV stations for weather updates.
-Organize emergency supplies.
-Clear yard of loose objects (examples include outdoor furniture, trash cans, etc.)
-Secure your boat.
-Board windows and doors.
-Turn refrigerator/freezer to highest setting, opening only when necessary to maintain temperature in the event of a power outage.

Bear in mind that strong storms can affect essential services, including water, gas, electricity, sewage and phone. To prepare, Town Supervisor Anthony Santino is offering a checklist of items for residents to include in a home survival kit.

Important groceries and items to have on hand:

-Battery-operated radio or a weather radio
-Bottled water
-Pre-moistened towelettes
-Apples (fruits)
-Peanut butter and jelly
-Applesauce (canned fruit)
-Crackers/bread
-Canned food
-Filled prescriptions
-Flashlight with batteries or new “shake” flashlight
-Non-electric can opener
-First aid kit
-Toilet paper
-Batteries
-Zip-lock bags (great way to protect documents)
-Cash, small bills (ATMS and credit cards might not work)
-Point of contact out of state (in case local communications do not work)
-Photocopy of valuable documents (in zip-lock bag)
-Garbage bags

Town municipal vehicles are being fueled, equipment is being moved to staging areas, and Bay Constable boats will be available if roads to the barrier beaches are flooded because of the storm.

Town employees are testing tree-removal equipment and chain saws, as well as drain-cleaning equipment. Trucks and street sweepers are ready to go, and marina staff is inspecting boats to ensure that they are well secured.

The town’s Swift 911 Emergency Notification System, which provides homes and businesses with recorded notifications via telephone, email or text message is up and running. Contact information in the Swift 911 database is based on phone directories and other publicly available sources. Update or add your contact information to the system by visiting www.toh.li/emergency-services/swift911-emergency-notification .

PSEG is also monitoring the storm. They offered these tips:

•Save PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075.

•Familiarize yourself with PSEG Long Island’s mobile-friendly website, online Outage Center and Outage Map at www.psegliny.com/stormcenter - for the most up-to-date information customers might need when the storm hits. 

•Sign up now for MyAlerts, PSEG Long Island’s text message service. Report a power outage by text and receive status updates by text and/or email. Since this requires an account number for a one-time registration, it is best to do it beforehand. To register, text REG to PSEGLI (773454) or visit the My Account section of the website www.psegliny.com/account.

•Charge all mobile phones, tablets and other handheld devices in advance of the storm.

•Make sure everyone in the family is prepared and knows what to do if there is an emergency

•Watch PSEG Long Island’s YouTube videos at www.youtube.com/psegli for tips on how to prepare your family and how power is restored after a storm
Governor Cuomo will be activating the New York State Emergency Operations center on Sunday at noon. State officials are directed to be alert in advance of Tropical Storm Hermine. State Emergency Personnel are stockpiling resources– including sandbags, high-axel vehicles, pumps and generators.

The National Guard has personnel and equipment, including 100 soldiers and airmen and 45 vehicles that include high-axel trucks and high-mobility multi-purpose vehicles. The National Guard also has two Engineer Initial Response Forces with front-end loaders, dump trucks and smaller Bob Cats available for use if necessary.

The state has stockpiles in Brentwood and John F. Kennedy International Airport that are immediately available for deployment that include:
•• 29 generators
•• 58 light towers
•• 252,000 bottles of water
•• 97,104 ready-to-eat meals
•• 19,200 Kosher ready-to-eat meals
•• 155 pumps that range from 2”, 3”, 4” and 6”
•• Two sandbaggers; 200,000 sandbags

The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has five high-axle vehicles ready to respond. Each has been equipped with personal flotation devices, hand lights, hand tools for forcible entry and shovels, blankets and an inflatable boat. Additionally, Swift Water Rescue Teams are on stand-by.

Additional resources from stockpiles across the state are available for transport to the region if necessary.