Community Corner

Voluntary Evacuations in Low-Lying Areas Begin

Village declares State of Emergency.

East Hampton Village Mayor Paul Rickenbach has declared a State of Emergency, and village officials are advising those residents living in low-lying areas to voluntarily evacuate.

Meanwhile, fire departments in East Hampton and Amagansett are getting ready to go door-to-door in low-lying areas and request residents go stay elsewhere or at the shelters, which will be opening around 10 a.m., as Hurricane Irene may cause significant flooding.

Supervisor Bill Wilkinson said he is continuing to monitor the situation and will have more updates at the work session at 10 a.m. He said the Montauk Fire Department will visit low-lying areas later on Saturday.

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

East Hampton Fire Department Chief Ray Harden said his department will go to areas south of Montauk Highway, the trailer parks, Sammy's Beach and areas of Northwest Woods to warn people of the risks.

Amagansett Fire Department Chief Mark Bennett said members will be visiting areas such as Louse Point, Lazy Point, Beach Hampton and Napeague Meadow Road.

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

"Everybody got a reverse 911 call last night between 8 and 10, letting them know about the risk," Bennett said before he headed out. "We just want to make sure they got that call."

"High winds and rain combined with high tides may cause some streets to become impassible," Villgae Police Captain Mike Tracey said in a statement about the village declaring a state of emergency. "There may be power interruptions as a result of the high winds as well as fallen trees."

All village beaches are closed, and residents are being advised to stay off the roads during the storm.

"There are dangerous surf conditions and everyone is being advised to stay off the beaches as extreme currents and erosion will make those areas unsafe," Tracey said.

East Hampton High School and the Montauk Community Playhouse are designated shelters.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here