East Hampton Storm Updates: Village, Town Declare States of Emergencies

With Mother Nature expected to send a blast of winter to the North Fork Saturday, here’s a list of up-to-the minute news, cancellations, closings and updates — everything you need to know to get through the storm safely.

• Both the Town of East Hampton and The Village of East Hampton have declared a State of Emergency, effective as of 10 a.m. Until the State of Emergency has lifted, the public is advised to stay off the roads to allow emergency crews and vehicles to respond, and parking is prohibited on all major thoroughfares. The town and village emergency operations Ccnter is open and all storm related issues should be reported to (631) 324-0288. For immediate emergencies only, call 911.For non-storm related issues in the Town call (631) 537-7575; and in the Village call (631) 324-0777.

• The town is prepared to open an emergency shelter in Montauk and in East Hampton, should conditions warrant. If it becomes necessary to open the shelters, the town will make an announcement accordingly. The town asks residents to please stay home and be safe during this storm.

• The U.S. Coast Guard is urging mariners and the coastal public to prepare for Winter Storm Jonas, as it is expected to heavily impact the New York area this weekend. “Regardless of the amount of snow that may fall, high winds and low visibility will likely make operating in the harbor very dangerous this weekend,” said Lt. Cmdr. Garrett Meyer, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Station New York. “We will maintain our normal 24/7 response posture for search and rescue situations but inclement weather conditions can slow down our response and put our crews in danger.” Gale and storm warnings have been issued with potentially damaging winds reaching 40 knots expected the first half of the weekend, with gusts up to 55 knots. Seas could swell up to 18 feet. Areas affected include Montauk Point to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, out 20 nautical miles offshore including Long Island Sound, the Long Island Bays and New York Harbor. “Please take extra care in securing your vessel as high wind events can result in damage to moored vessels or vessels breaking free and going adrift,” said Meyer. “Also, remember that heavy snow or ice accumulation on your vessel will negatively influence its stability making capsizing much more likely than it would be under normal conditions. That combined with high winds and rough seas makes for a very hazardous scenario.” A mixture of rain, snow and sleet will result in near zero visibility and boaters are urged to seek safe harbor until the storm has passed.

• With the snow coming the East Hampton Library’s Main Street WebCam, located at the corner of Main Street and Rt. 114 (Buell Lane) in East Hampton Village, is up and running. Residents can take a look at the WebCam from the safety of their own homes to check the status of the roads before venturing out. See for yourself: http://www.easthamptonlibrary.org/about/webcam.html