States of emergency declared in Nassau & Suffolk Counties ahead of nor’easter
Residents who frequent the beach said they have already seen the effects of erosion and fear the storm could worsen conditions.
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Long Island officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and prepare for potentially dangerous conditions as a powerful nor’easter approaches, bringing the threat of heavy rain, strong winds, coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.
At Smith Point County Park on Friday, large waves were crashing onto the shoreline as winds increased ahead of the storm. The ocean beach is now closed, and officials warned that vulnerable stretches of the South Shore could see substantial damage.
Residents who frequent the beach said they have already seen the effects of erosion and fear the storm could worsen conditions.
“There’s not much beach left,” said Shirley resident Timothy King. “They’d better do something about this soon, otherwise there’s not going to be any more beach left.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine echoed those concerns during a joint news conference with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, warning that the storm could take a significant toll on Long Island’s coastline.
“We expect massive erosion along our ocean beaches,” Romaine said.
The county executives signed emergency declarations ahead of the storm and urged residents to exercise caution as the weather deteriorates.
“If you don’t have to go out during the heavy rainfall, don’t go out,” Romaine said. “If your street floods, don’t drive through flooded areas.”
Blakeman delivered a similar message, encouraging Nassau County residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
“Stay home,” Blakeman said. “If you don’t have to go out, stay off the road. Only if it’s a necessity, go out and it should be a very important necessity if you go out.”
Earlier in the day, Blakeman met with Nassau County leaders at the county’s Office of Emergency Management to review storm preparations. Officials from both Nassau and Suffolk counties said they will coordinate their response efforts throughout the storm.
“I’m just hoping it’s not as severe as they’re predicting,” said Wading River resident Jim Feil. “That’s the only thing we can hope for.”
To document the extent of any damage, Suffolk County plans to take drone photographs before and after the storm.
According to Romaine, those images could be used to support applications for state and federal assistance if the damage is severe enough to warrant financial aid.
