Town Assists Massapequa Residents Near Shore

The Town of Oyster Bay has ordered vehicles to flooded areas south of Merrick Road to help residents who are still trying to evacuate the area.

Supervisor John Venditto says the town is using trucks "capable of navigating through deep water to patrol the areas around Nassau Shores, Alhambra Road and Forest Avenue, looking for residents who are still trying to get out of areas near the shore.

"We're seeing a number of residents trying to leave, in many cases, carrying their possessions," Venditto said.

The residents are walking through waters that are in some cases, knee and ankle deep,according to the Supervisor.

"We're driving as close as we can get to them and we're signaling for them to come over. We load their possessions in the back of the vehicle and drive them to higher ground," he said.

Venditto is urging residents who feel they may need assistance to contact the town's 24 hour operations center at 516- 677-5757.

So far, about 10 people have been rescued by town trucks, according to Venditto.

But he's also quick to remind residents that the storm still has a long way to go before the storm passes.

"To say we're concerned is an understatement," he said. Venditto joined the chorus of other officials urging people to stay inside and to avoid the srea south of Merrick Road.

One area that officials are holding their breath about is TOBAY Beach which the supervisor said "is getting hammered."

Venditto said that a town employee is monitoring the situation and there are concerns that water may breech dunes and wash up  onto roads, which can cause significant damage.

As of 2:40 p.m. there had been no breech, but Venditto said they're still concerned about tonight's high tide and the approaching storm surge.

As of 4 p.m., LIPA was reporting that 1,321 customers were without power in Massapequa Park, while 432 were in the dark in North Massapequa. There were 107 customers without power in East Massapequa and 10 customers lost power in Massapequa.