Sunday morning update: Due to Tropical Storm Henri, Shelter Island Town is under a state of emergency by declaration of the Town Supervisor and in place until 6 AM Monday.
This means roads are closed except to emergency vehicles and work crews making repairs or cleaning up debris.
“Overnight, the track of the storm has shifted further east, and the eye is now expected to make impact off our coast and a direct hit on Block Island and Southeast New England,” according to an advisory from the Town posted on social media.
“Currently, the storm is south of Montauk and moving rather quickly at 21 mph. The storm is still a hurricane.”
Peak winds are expected to impact Suffolk County late this morning or early afternoon.
“The Hamptons to Montauk and Southold will experience sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph,” the Town notice said.
The main threats from Henri are high winds, storm surge and heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding.
“Rainfall is expected to be 4 to 5 inches, therefore, the flooding remains a concern,” the Town says.
As a result, all roads will be closed except to emergency vehicles until 6 AM Monday, August 23, with the supervisor possibly rescinding the order later today depending on weather conditions.
“Residents are further advised that ferry services may be limited or unavailable during this time period.”
Ram Island and low-lying areas voluntary evacuation
Additionally, a voluntary evacuation of Ram Island and other low-lying coastal areas is requested, the Town said.
“A storm surge is anticipated to flood the Ram Island causeway preventing emergency access.”
Residents are encouraged to seek shelter at family or friend’s homes during the storm from early Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon or until the storm passes.
Should this not be possible, please call 631-749-0600 to arrange for other means of sheltering.
Important phone numbers
For emergencies, call 911
For PSEG outages, call 1-800-490-0075
For general information, call 631-749-0400 between 8 AM and 8 PM
For sheltering questions, call 631-749-0600
Links
For hurricane safety tips:
FEMA https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane
American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html
