Southampton Town Supervisor Says Limited State of Emergency Still in Effect, Beaches 'In Great Shape'

New Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman has weathered his first major storm while in the town’s top seat.

A state of emergency in Southampton Town was lifted Sunday morning at 9 a.m. However, a limited state of emergency remains in effect in order to plow unapproved and private roads. All other roads are open. Motorists should take precautions and be wary for any patchy spots of snow and black ice, Schneiderman said. The highway department continues to plow secondary roads.

Dune Road west of Ponquogue Bridge to the Quogue Village line remains closed.

Due to the storm, transfer stations will be open today at the Hampton Bays and North Sea facilities only.

“It looks as though we made it through our first major storm of the winter season in good shape,” the supervisor said.

In a phone interview, Schneiderman said the roads, while still slippery in spots, are for the most part, ”in good condition. ‘Some are cleared all the way down to the asphalt”, with other roads still sporting a layer of compressed snow.

While flooding was initially a serious concern, and the town is still “keeping an eye” on today’s high tides, Schneiderman said while there was definitely flooding, it was nothing out of the ordinary. “I don’t think we saw anything serious in the case of flooding or coastal erosion. The beaches are in great shape.”

Southampton Town, he said, received between 14 and 18 inches of snow, depending on the locations. Drifting remains a concern on Sunday, with blowing snow by farm fields. Schneiderman urged motorists to proceed with caution in those areas and on back roads. As snow melts, flooding could also be an issue, he said.

The town’s highway crew, led by Highway Superintendent Alex Gregor, got an earlier start Saturday than expected, heading out at 1 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. “They didn’t get a lot of sleep,” he said. “They’re tired.”

Thankfully, Gregor had storm preparations commenced on Wednesday, brining the roads early, in advance of the snow, and then laying down a sand/salt mixture.

Sidewalks and municipal lots will be plowed later this evening or early tomorrow, with the focus on private, non-town-maintained roads today, the supervisor said.

“We expect everything to be ready by tomorrow morning,” he said.

During the storm, the town had 50 plows out, plus 20 private sub-contractors, Schneiderman said, as well as other equipment including sanders and smaller sidewalk plows.

Seven motor vehicle accidents were reported, with no injuries. However, he said, two involved motorists and town vehicles; one driver slid through a red light and hit a plow. “That’s the reason people need to stay off the roads — so we can do our job,” he said.

In addition, there were six stranded vehicles reported, and four ambulance assists, Schneiderman said. A total of 12 trees came down on town roads, all of which were cleared quickly. A few minor power outages across town were restored quickly, Schneiderman said. “PSEG was really well prepared for this storm,” Schneiderman said.

The supervisor also commended Suffolk County’s efforts. He spoke with County Executive Steve Bellone early yesterday. “They have done a great job plowing County Road 39,” Schneiderman said. “County Road 39 is amazing, down to the asphalt. You don’t even know there was a storm.”

The town, too, did a wonderful job clearing the roads, Schneiderman said, adding that he spent time yesterday at the town’s emergency operations center, the highway barn with Gregor, at the police department, and driving around checking vulnerable areas. He also reached out to the Shinnecock Nation, town trustees, and to all village mayors, offering the town’s assistance, Schneiderman said.

“Our highway department did a terrific job during this blizzard under the leadership of Highway Superintendent Alex Gregor. They worked tirelessly through the night and insured that our roads are safe. I also want to thank the private contractors who helped clear our roads. The public should also be commended for heeding our warning and for staying off the roads. It made everyone’s job easier. There were no major accidents and it looks like Southampton was also spared any major problems with beach erosion and flooding,” Schneiderman said

Schneiderman also thanked EOC staff, as well as ambulance crews, valiant in their efforts. “Thank you,” he said.

For the freshman supervisor, the storm was a chance to “see all the various functions working together,” Schneiderman said. “It went really well.”

Perhaps the most uplifting affirmation of the collaborative efforts came in the form of a text sent by a mom with two kids who lives by Big Fresh Pond, the supervisor said. “She said the plow had gone down her street six times. She said, ‘If they come back again there won’t be any asphalt.’ We often get complaints, but it’s great to hear somebody saying ‘Thank you,’” Schneiderman said. “She was so pleased.”

Power outages were minimal but citizens who experience power outages can still report directly to PSEG at 800-490-0075. Seniors can call the Senior Hotline at 631-728-1235.

Patch photo by Kevin Tate.