East Hampton Village Declares State of Emergency

Due to the heavy snowfall, the Village of East Hampton has declared a state of emergency.

Village Hall will be closed, as will Town Hall, though the town has not made the same emergency declaration. Schools are also closed, as previously reported. The East Hampton and Montauk Senior Centers were already ordered closed on Wednesday. 

Village Mayor Paul F. Rickenbach Jr. said that the state of emergency was declared around 7 a.m. "That gives the highway department — DPW — the ability to clear the roads in a much better capacity," Rickenbach explained. He said parked cars are being towed off the roadway to make ways for plows. 

"The roads are good. I would offer if anybody is going to travel the highway this morning to use extra precaution," the mayor said.

Town Police Chief Mike Sarlo said Wednesday morning that town officials decided against a state of emergency, though officials were on standby in case they had to. Accumulations were about 6 to 8 inches total and the town was well prepared, he said. 

Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said he has been in close contact with other town officials, such as Highway Superintendent Stephen Lynch. "The key thing is not so much the snow — the roads are open, but very icy and slippery, people should not be driving on them obviously. The primary concern here is is everyone going to continue to have power because of the sub-zero wind chill the next couple of days," he said. 

The town is prepared to open warming centers and staff are on standby, he said. Anyone in the town who loses power or has concerns should call 631-537-7575, he said. 

"Highway personnel will be working to clear our roadways, and are ready to assist our Fire & EMS Agencies should the need arise," the town posted on its website. 

Cantwell, who was at his office at Town Hall, said he passed a Montauk ambulance earlier headed to Southampton Hospital despite the icy conditions on the roads. "God bless them for what they do," he said of the volunteers.