Smithtown Takes Flood Precautions After Warning Issued In Suffolk

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown is taking precautions after a flood warning was issued for this weekend by the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

The warning comes after the National Weather Service declared a flood watch in effect from 8 a.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday.

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall — 2.5 to over 3.5 inches — is possible beginning Saturday morning and expected to last late into Saturday night, according to the Town of Smithtown. Excessive runoff may cause flooding conditions around rivers, creeks, streams, low-lying and flood-prone areas. Flooding may also happen in poor drainage and urban areas.

The Smithtown Department of Public Safety urged residents to use caution while traveling.

"Do not drive cars through flooded areas and limit travel if possible," it stated.

The Smithtown Public Safety Department will be monitoring the weather and updates from its OEM partners and will have staff on duty 24/7 to serve residents, the town wrote. Residents can stay informed with real-time updates by downloading the Town of Smithtown Mobile App, which is free on Google Play and the App Store.

The Smithtown Highway Department began taking precautions for the forecast heavy rains and wind. The fleet is currently out cleaning storms drains and gutter lines, zeroing in on low lying areas of which the weather advisory identifies as a risk for flooding conditions. The Smithtown Highway Department will be on duty for the duration of the storm.

All residents were advised to monitor future weather forecasts for possible flood warnings.

"Take precautions early for family, elderly relatives and neighbors, and pets for the duration of the weather event," the town wrote. "Useful phone numbers and contact information for various utilities, government agencies and emergency services have been listed below the advisory."

Useful Numbers:

Stranded vehicles: If there is an emergency, residents are advised to dial 911 immediately. All non-life-threatening calls can be directed to the Department of Public Safety at 631-360-7553.

Power outages; PSEG information: View PSEG Long Island’s outage map here.

To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com. To register have your account number available and text REG to PSEGLI (773454).

Downed wires should always be considered "live." Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075.

Report Gas Outages or Emergencies: If you smell gas anywhere, including in your home, go outside and call the National Grid 24 hour hotline at 1-800-490-0045 or dial 911 immediately.

Suffolk 311: Suffolk County 311 is a central call center available to residents who do not know which number to call for any non-emergency. Residents can reach the 311 line Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or leave messages after hours.

Animals & Family Pets: To report animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals, you can call 631-360-7575.

Elderly neighbors and special needs individuals: For assistance with elderly or special needs individuals, you can contact the Office for People with Disabilities at 631-360-7642.

LIRR commuter travel information: For information regarding delays or travel questions, contact the LIRR 24 hour travel information center at 718-217-5477.