Community Corner

Hurricane Earl Could Reach West Islip by Friday

Major storm forecast to bring heavy winds, rain to Long Island

With Hurricane Earl currently swirling just north of the British Virgin Islands and is now classified as a major hurricane as of 4 p.m Monday, forecasts are predicting that the storm could have have an impact on Long Island, including West Islip, on Friday.

"We are monitoring Hurricane Earl since it became a Tropical storm," said Rick Gimbl, director of Emergency Management for the Town of Islip. "The Supervisor and myself met with all Commissioners in the Town government to discuss our plans for the upcoming storm. We are in contact with Suffolk County Emergency Management and are working together on a worst-case scenario for the planning process."

Gimbl added that the town's Emergency Operations Center is constantly monitoring the hurricanes, tropical storms and local weather.  "We are pro-active when it comes to weather, and other type of events that may impact our normal day infrastructure," he said.

Find out what's happening in West Islipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In preparation for Hurricane Earl, Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management (FRES) has implemented a "120-hour plan" said FRES Commissioner Joseph Williams. This plan includes conference calls with the National Weather Service, New York State Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Williams encourages residents who experience flooding in their basements during normal rain to stay with relatives or friends who do not live in a flood zone.

"We expect that most people will 'shelter in place' (stay home)," Williams said, and added that residents should have 72- hours worth of canned food and other such items.

Find out what's happening in West Islipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Charles Bové, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Good Samaritan Hospital, also issued this statement:

"Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center is aware of the early predictions related to hurricane Earl and hospital leadership has begun to take precautionary measures to address potential issues that may arise from the hurricane,"Bové said.

The Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management (SCOEM) recommends assembling a Hurricane Safety Kit and including essential medications, a fire extinguisher, canned food and a can opened, bottled water, protective clothing, rain gear, blankets, extra batteries, battery-powered radio and a flashlight. The office also suggests including instructions on how to turn off your home's utilities in the kit. Also, fill your car with gas in case you need to make a quick evacuation.

Check back with Patch as we provide more updates on Hurricane Earl's progress.

 


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