Riverhead Storm Updates: Supervisor Declares State of Emergency

Photo of vehicles in water outside Joe’s Garage in Riverhead, taken from McDonald’s in Flanders. Patch photo courtesy of Susan Tocci.

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.

Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter declared a State of Emergency at 10 a.m. this morning.

A blizzard warning and a coastal flood advisory issued by the National Weather Service continues for the area. The blizzard warning is in effect through 7 a.m Sunday.

The flood advisory was in effect until 1 p.m, and will be in effect again as of 5 p.m., at high tide.

Snow has arrived and has coated all areas with an inch or more. Heavy bands of snow with high rates of accumulation are expected over the next couple of hours, Walter said. Snow will continue all day straight through early Sunday morning, with 12 to 18 inches of snow expected.

Winds will increase from 20 to 40 miles per hour with stronger gusts possible. Wind chill values are expected to be in the teens.

Coastal flooding is expected again for tonight’s high tide cycle, with tides expected to be two to four feet above normal due to the storm and the full moon and will affect all areas adjacent to the North Fork. Residents who are in a coastal flood prone area are asked to pay close attention to Saturday night’s high tide.

Traveling on Saturday will be extremely dangerous due to heavy snowfall and strong winds with whiteout conditions possible, officials said. Secondary roads, especially north/south roads or roads adjacent to open fields are likely to become impassable.

Power outages are possible due to the strong winds and falling tree limbs causing downed power lines. Residents are asked to stay away from all downed lines and to treat them as energized.

Walter urged residents not to plan to leave their homes tomorrow or Sunday morning.

“ If you absolutely must leave your home, use extreme caution and reduce your speed,” a release stated. “Make sure that you have a charged cellphone and a winter storm survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and call the police.”

All vehicles, except for essential emergency vehicles, should be off the roadways, moved and parked off the street, or else, be subject to fine or towing at the owner’s expense. Any abandoned vehicles obstructing traffic or hampering plowing may also be removed by the town.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 or call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500. “ If you can, stay inside, stay warm, stay informed and as always, stay safe,” the release said.

Safety Tips

• If you are in a coastal flood-prone area, you will experience flooding during Saturday night’s high tide cycle. Take all necessary precautions.
• To report power outages, call PSEG at 1-800-490-0075.
• All residents are urged to remove their vehicles from the street to increase the effectiveness of snowplowing operations. Town code authorizes the Riverhead Police Department to impound parked or abandoned vehicles that affect roadways during a snowstorm.
• Please do not shovel snow into the street; that only creates a hazard for neighbors and other motorists.
• Please ensure fire hydrants near your home are visible and shoveled out.
• Make sure to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or homebound.
• Don’t forget pets. Make sure they are brought inside or have shelter.
• For the safety of patrons and visitors, please remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of businesses or property.
• Remember the Ps of Preparedness: Have a plan. Pack an emergency kit. Pay attention.

Important Contact Info

FEMA

http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

National Weather Service

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml

NYS Homeland Security

http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/publicsafety/winter.cfm

American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Winter-Weather-Safety-Tips