Hurricane Erin: How Long Island Officials Are Preparing

FARMINGDALE, NY — As Hurricane Erin's remnants bring strong winds and rain to Long Island, both of Long Island executives shared hurricane preparedness tips to help Long Islanders stay safe in the event Erin shifts back toward the island or for future storms.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine hosted a joint news conference on Thursday morning in Farmingdale.

According to the most recent update issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) this month, atmospheric and oceanic conditions remain in place for an above-normal hurricane season, which could rank among the busiest on record, with the peak of the season approaching.

While neither executive, as of Thursday, plans on issuing an evacuation order, both are stressing the importance of preparedness because of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes. The counties continue to monitor the storm on an hourly basis.

"Again, as both Ed and I have said many times, it's Mother Nature, and it's unpredictable," Blakeman told reporters. "You never know if it could take a turn this way at the end of its path. We're monitoring it, and if things change, we'll reevaluate at that time."

Romaine said Long Island was fortunate to not get hit with the brunt of Hurricane Erin but noted things could have easily gone the other way.

"Yes, this hurricane avoided us," Romaine said. "Yes, at the last moment, it turned east. But had it turned west, this is some serious storm."

Blakeman urged Nassau County residents who live along the shore or in a low-lying area to prepare for Hurricane Erin possibly causing damage — or for future hurricanes.

"Please make sure that you have water," Blakeman said. "Have a plan to leave, God forbid you would have to make that determination. Have a place to go. Keep non-perishable food and manual can openers available. In case there is a power outage, make sure you have flashlights batteries."

Blakeman urged residents to not use candles, as they are "big fire hazards." He also encouraged residents to monitor the internet, radio and television for updates regarding any hurricane that hits Long Island.

Blakeman also told Long Islanders to take care of their pets and keep them inside.

Nassau County closed Nickerson Beach Park on Thursday, while Suffolk County closed most of its county beaches. Blakeman warned that there are "very high tides," the "ocean is rough," and waves are expected to be as tall as 10 to 15 feet.

If Hurricane Erin makes a turn toward Long Island, Blakeman said Nassau County will send workers out to assist with the evacuation.

Both counties are preparing for coastal flooding and coastal erosion. Romaine said Suffolk County is particularly concerned about Fire Island and Montauk.

"We're prepared for this hurricane as best we can," Romaine said. "It's not going to do a lot of damage, but it will create erosion. It will create flooding. It will threaten Fire Island and some of our ocean beaches, but we are prepared to deal with that. We have about 10,000 cubic yards of sand ready at the end of Dune Road to deal with any breaches, because we may get a breach of the ocean into our bank. We're very concerned about that."

As the area enters hurricane season, Romaine said Suffolk County is concerned with potential damage such as trees, bushes and downed power lines.

Romaine also issued a "very clear message" to the Long Island Power Authority: "They should start putting money in, each and every year, to bury their lines. So that over a period of the next 10 to 20 years, most of the lines are buried."

The two executives emphasized a message of unity between the two Long Island counties.

"Nassau and Suffolk, slightly different counties, but joined," Romaine said. "We're one island. We're going to work together. We're going to put our resources, because we are stronger together than we are separate."

Blakeman thanked Romaine for his partnership, adding that the two counties share information and intelligence as far as weather changes and conditions. Mutual aid agreements are in place between the counties' police departments and firefighters.

The executives had arranged the news conference 10 days ago — before they anticipated dealing with potential fallout from Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, Blakeman said.

In the event of downed power wires, residents are urged to call PSEG Long Island. People should call 911 for emergencies or dangerous situations only.

Suffolk County residents should text Suffolk Smart at 67283 for alerts.

The Let's Sing Taylor Concert at Eisenhower Park is on for 7 p.m. Thursday night, Blakeman said.