Southampton Storm Updates: Supervisor Declares Limited State of Emergency

With Mother Nature expected to send a blast of winter to the North Fork Saturday, here’s a list of up-to-the minute news, cancellations, closings and updates — everything you need to know to get through the storm safely.

• Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman declared a limited State of Emergency, this morning. Residents are requested to limit all driving, remove all parked cars from the roads and residents should expect unannounced road closures. “Our highway department is busy plowing roads but residents should stay inside and off the roads and allow our plows to do their jobs and let emergency vehicles pass safely when they are called to emergencies.” The National Weather Service is now forecasting 12 to 18 inches for the area, he said. During the duration of the blizzard there is a potential for falling and/or blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities. Wind gusts can be measured up to 55 mph. The heavy winds and lunar tide, three to four feet above normal, can result in moderate flooding. Schneiderman said the Town’s emergency operations center is open and storm emergencies can be reported to 631-728-3405.
• Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley and his family are searching for their cat, Lilly, who is 13 and missing in the blizzard.

• Citizens who may experience power outages can report directly to PSEG at 800-490-0075. Seniors can call the Senior Hotline at 728-1235. Notification will be issued if shelters or warming centers are needed.
  Due to the storm, transfer stations will be closed Saturday with a delayed opening at noon on Sunday.
  Supervisor Schneiderman reminds residents to, “listen to radio, tune into TV and check the Town’s web site for emergency updates throughout the duration of the storm.”
  
  
• Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman urged residents to take precaution during the impending storm. “We’re expecting up to 18 inches of accumulation and blizzard-like conditions according to the National Weather Service beginning Friday night and throughout the day on Saturday. Residents should stay off the roads allowing our Highway Department to clear the roads as quickly and safely as possible and to provide easy passage for emergency vehicles.” The National Weather Service in Upton has issued a blizzard warning from Midnight Friday through 7 a.m. Sunday. A blizzard warning means winds could be as strong as 55 miles per hour, with extremely poor visibility, Schneidrman said. “This can lead to whiteout conditions and will make travel very dangerous. The heavy winds and lunar tide on Saturday will result in moderate coastal flooding at high tide.” Schneiderman said the town’s emergency personnel began coordinating Friday afternoon to determine appropriate road clearing, public safety, securing town facilities, and coordinating with county and s tate services. The highway department has already pre-treated the roads and will begin plowing at the first sign of accumulation.
• As a precaution, Dune Road will be closed from 3 p.m. Friday until further notice between the Ponquogue Bridge and west to the Quogue Village line.
• Residents confronted with a storm related emergency can call 631-728-3400. Citizens who may experience power outages during the storm can report those outages directly to PSEG at 800-490-0075. Senior citizens can call the town’s Senior Hotline at 631-728-1235 in the event of a storm related emergency. Notification will be issued if shelters or warming centers are needed.
• Due to the storm, Southampton Town transfer stations will be closed Saturday with a delayed opening at noon on Sunday. “I am confident our departments are well prepared to address this storm event. Again, I emphasize all citizens please remain off the roads during the storm and listen to radio, tune into TV and check the town’s website for emergency updates throughout the duration of the storm.”

• The U.S. Coast Guard is urging mariners and the coastal public to prepare for Winter Storm Jonas, as it is expected to heavily impact the New York area this weekend. “Regardless of the amount of snow that may fall, high winds and low visibility will likely make operating in the harbor very dangerous this weekend,” said Lt. Cmdr. Garrett Meyer, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Station New York. “We will maintain our normal 24/7 response posture for search and rescue situations but inclement weather conditions can slow down our response and put our crews in danger.” Gale and storm warnings have been issued with potentially damaging winds reaching 40 knots expected the first half of the weekend, with gusts up to 55 knots. Seas could swell up to 18 feet. Areas affected include Montauk Point to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, out 20 nautical miles offshore including Long Island Sound, the Long Island Bays and New York Harbor. “Please take extra care in securing your vessel as high wind events can result in damage to moored vessels or vessels breaking free and going adrift,” said Meyer. “Also, remember that heavy snow or ice accumulation on your vessel will negatively influence its stability making capsizing much more likely than it would be under normal conditions. That combined with high winds and rough seas makes for a very hazardous scenario.” A mixture of rain, snow and sleet will result in near zero visibility and boaters are urged to seek safe harbor until the storm has passed.