Fire Island Under Mandatory Evacuation Order as Sandy Nears

Islip Town Supervisor Tom Croci has declared a State of Emergency and ordered a mandatory evacuation of Fire Island as Hurricane Sandy churns its way up the East Coast. 

The evacuation order applies to all Islip Town communities on Fire Island and must be completed by 2 p.m. Sunday, Croci said. 

Islip officials are currently working with Fire Island village and emergency officials, utility companies and other government agencies, to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation, according to a Town statement. 

The Town's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), activated on Friday, will remain open throughout the state of emergency. Residents are encouraged to monitor local news and weather reports for guidance and instructions, officials said. 

A complete list of storm shelters in the area that may open can be found here. 

It's been just 14 months since Tropical Storm Irene lashed Long Island. More than 16,000 Islip Town residents living in flood zones were forced to evacuate as Irene approached, although that storm ended up sparing its worst on the island. 

Sandy is currently a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph. On its current track, it's expected to hit Long Island the hardest Monday night into Tuesday.