Storm's 'Moderate Flooding,' High Winds Concern Village

Village officials are expecting "moderate flooding" with this latest Winter storm that's taking aim at Lindenhurst.

And as of 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, with high tide approaching, there was water already in the streets South of Shore Road and the numbered streets South of Montauk Highway in the Village.

Plus, many residents have already moved their cars to Shore Road Park.

That's according to Ray Fais, emergency manager for the Village.

He was at the dead end portion of South Bay Street (see the accompanying photos) when he spoke to Lindenhurst Patch ahead of the storm on late Wednesday afternoon - which has prompted not only a Winter weather advisory, but also a coastal flood advisory.

Flooding Concerns
Tides are expected to be two to three feet above normal, and waves along the Atlantic coastline are expected to break at eight to 14 feet, according to the National Weather Service coastal flood advisory issued earlier on March 6.

"[The water's] just over the shoreline, and we'll probably lose a little bit more sand," he said. "It'll be over the bulkheads in most areas."

He explained when most other areas receive minor flooding with a storm like this, the Village usually gets moderate flooding.

"There'll be water in the streets, but it shouldn't be up to the houses - except for the couple of houses that usually do get water in these storms," Fais said.

To help alleviate the flooding the Village's Department of Public Works was concentrating on the streams on Wednesday.

"Crews were making sure they were clear of debris so they don't clog to cause flooding," he explained, noting the storm drains are "pretty clear," too.

Winds are 'Whipping'
Besides the flooding Fais said the high winds are also a concern, since, according to the NWS, the winds are expected to be 20 to 30 mph, with gusts from 40 to 50 mph throughout the evening on the coastlines.

"The winds are whipping down here," he said, but so far there haven't been any downed tree or limbs in the Village as a result.

The DPW also spent Wednesday "pulling stumps" and grabbing stray branches or "hangers" up in the trees to help prevent and minimize any damage the winds might cause.

Snow Preparation
Since the NWS is forecasting up to a total of eight inches of snow through Thursday evening, the DPW also prepared for the impending snowfall on Wednesday.

"The salt and trucks are ready to roll, and we'll be out there sanding and salting - and plowing once we get a couple of inches on the ground," Fais said.

Though, in terms of snow, Mayor Tom Brennan told Patch on late Wednesday afternoon that he's "not overly concerned" and that since snowfall totals are expected to be far less than those associated with the blizzard on February 8 and 9, the Village is especially prepared.

"The several inches we're supposed to be getting should be nothing compared to Nemo a few weeks ago," he said. " After that we'd better be on our best snow removal behavior."

The mayor also said residents with any non-emergency, storm-related issues should call the DPW at 631-957-7520. If residents have an emergency during the storm, then they should call 911.

Related Coverage:

• Village Concerned about Thursday Night's High Tide
• Officials: Storm Hasn't Canceled or Postponed Any School Activities So Far
• Residents Report Flooding throughout South Lindenhurst
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• Town of Babylon 'Fully Prepared' for Winter Storm 
• Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Lindenhurst

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