Island Park slammed by Irene

“This is the worst flooding I’ve ever seen,” said Island Park Mayor Jim Ruzicka early Sunday afternoon.

Ruzicka, a resident of Island Park for more than 50 years, has weathered his fair share of storms. But this is the first time, he said, that he’s seen flooding in the Island Park fire house, which is on Long Beach Road. “We have somewhere between 4 and 6 inches here in our firehouse,” he said.

Those who stayed in Island Park awoke on Sunday to find nearly every street flooded. Many were impassable. Ruzicka said that the fire department had to use one of its boats to get around the village. He estimated that there was six feet of water by the Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School.

“Austin Boulevard was just all water, making it impassable,” he said.

Residents who stayed in the community and those who evacuated took to Facebook for updates and news. Many who had left were asking for updates about their homes, hoping to find out how much flood damage they would be coming back to.

The excessive water closed off Island Park, making it difficult for anyone to get in or out.

According to LIPA, there were 529 homes and businesses in Island Park without power.

Although the high tide – and the flood waters – had begun to recede, Ruzicka warned that residents should not try to return before 3 p.m. on Sunday at the earliest. Residents should check with the fire department before coming back, he said.

“We’re trying to dry out, but it’s rough going here,” said Ruzicka. “Just about every street in Island Park flooded, and it still is.”