Mandatory Evacuations in Islip Town Begin 8 a.m. Saturday

County and town officials will order residents living in South Shore flood zones to leave their homes Saturday morning as approaches.

A mandatory evacuation of low-lying areas in Islip Town south of Montauk Highway will begin at 8 a.m. Residents living in storm surge zones for a Category 1 hurricane, shown in red on the map to the right, face the mandatory evacuation. There's also a document to the right that lists all of the affected addresses. 

“Although many residents will undoubtedly be inconvenienced, this is a serious storm and safety is our top priority,” Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan said in a statement. “This evacuation order is a precaution that needs to be taken. The Town is doing all that it can to prepare for the storm, but residents must also make the responsible decisions necessary for their safety and that of their families.” 

Officials are urging anyone who lives less than half a mile from the water to get ready to leave their homes Saturday morning.

"If you live near the water, you should leave," Richard Gimbl, the Town of Islip Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, told a group of officials at Town Hall West Friday afternoon. "If you're anywhere near water, you should find a relative and get out of the house."

The evacuation order affects more than 5,000 residences and 16,560 residents in the Town, officials said.

Officials will notify residents in the affected areas through radio and television alerts. Additionally, residents who have signed up for the CodeRED service will receive a phone call. Residents can sign up for the service here. 

The Town has opened a shelter at Brentwood High School on 3rd Ave. Residents can find a complete list of shelters here.

The Town of Islip will also operate a pet shelter at the Brentwood Rec Center. Residents must bring vaccination records, a cage or leash, and enough food for four days if they'd like to leave their pets. Additionally, the pets must have a collar with their name.

A mandatory evacuation for Fire Island is already in effect, though there are no plans to close the bridges at this time.

"If you're stuck on Fire Island, there's no help, no electric, no nothing," Gimbl said.