Town Of Huntington Endures 'Heavier Than Normal Flooding', Sinkholes

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — The Town of Huntington dealt with "heavier than normal flooding," downed trees and sinkholes in the aftermath of a rainstorm hitting Long Island late Sunday into early Monday, the town stated.

Sunday night's torrential rain led to a long string of stranded motorists and emergency water rescues, as well as flooded basements, closed roads and even a small landslide reported across Long Island, according to the National Weather Service.

Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth and Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino responded "hastily" to the heavy rain storm, the town stated.

"When the weather turns ugly, I always know I can rely on my partners in Government to come to the aid of the Town, especially Andre Sorrentino and the Highway Department," Smyth stated. "Huntington’s emergency response protocol is second to none when it comes to tackling what mother nature dishes out."

Residents will be allowed to discharge stormwater from flooded basements into the roadway after Smyth ordered a temporary waive on the town's street pumping prohibition. The Town’s Pubic Safety office will not be issuing violations for the next 48 hours while residents deal with home flooding.

Under normal circumstances, a discharge into town roadways would be a violation of town
code because of potential hazards for pedestrians and traffic, Smyth said.

"In this case, our neighbors were impacted greater than normal and we want to do whatever we can to assist them in bringing their property back to normal," Smyth said.

A flash flood warning was issued across the area until just before 5 a.m., which has since been rescinded, officials said. During the height of the storm, the NWS's New York office reported "torrential rainfall" across central and eastern Long Island with "multiple water rescues."

The Huntington Highway Department took to the roads at the early onset of the storm. After surveying the town, the department reported approximately 10 sink holes and "minimal trees down."

The town said flooding was the "predominant issue," with the town reporting heavy flooding in a few areas.

"The Town’s Highway Department is responding to the heavier flooded areas," Sorrentino said. "Our team will work until these areas are secure. We are happy to report that most of the Town is clear and passable thanks to the overnight work of our crews. They did a terrific job responding to this weather emergency. As always, we want our residents to know we are here for them. If you have an issue, please contact the Town’s Highway Department at 631-499-0444."