The Massapequa area is already feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy hours before the worst of the storm has arrived.
Authorities are reporting most of the roads south of Merrick Road were already becoming impassable at about 10 a.m.
"If you're south of Merrick Road, you should've been out of there already," said Massapequa Fire Chief Stephen Daresta. The Chief is now advising those whos stayed to remain at home and stay inside.
In Massapequa Park, 1,912 customers lost power but it was restored in less than an hour. About 239 customers in north Massapequa were without power as of 11 a.m.
Mayor James Altadonna said that those who were without electricity were all in "about 20 to 30 block radius in the village."
Altadonna said there've been downed trees and wires in the village and that workers will be out doing cleanup as long as conditions reaming safe enough for them to do so.
Daresta said at about 10:15 a.m. that his department has responded to about nine reports of downed wires. All fire houses were fully staffed, Daresta said.
Rep. R-Seaford, was out making rounds in Massapequa with a police officer.
He told WCBS-TV Ch. 2. that "the South Shore is really being hit hard."
He advised area residents to "do what you're told to do. This is going to be mammoth."
The Congresman said that he lives north of the flood zone and that people who stayed, "are braver than I am."
"I would have left," he said.
The Village Board meeting scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday has now been canceled, but Altadonna said Village Hall will be staffed.
