Patchogue Prepares For Hurricane Earl

UPDATE: As of Friday afternoon, Hurricane Earl has weakened to a category 1 hurricane according to weather.com. However, the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning. 

The Village of Patchogue and the Town of Brookhaven are working to prepare residents for the arrival of Hurricane Earl Friday.

Mayor Paul Pontieri said that the village is making sure to have extra fire department and dispatch staff on duty for the hurricane.

"We'll be staffed until the village is secure and roads are clear," said Ponteri.

Pontieri advised residents to make sure they secure their property such as outdoor plastic tables and chairs so they do not fly around with the wind.

Pontieri also advised that any residents who may need an ambulance during the storm should call the Village emergency line, which is 631-475-1225. The number reaches the fire department, which can be advised of any medical conditions.

The Town of Brookhaven's Office of Emergency Management has posted on its website that Earl is currently a category 4 hurricane and is forecast to pass about 150 miles southeast of Long Island. From Friday into Saturday, Earl may leave three to five inches of rain on the east of Long Island. The town also said that there is a high risk of rip currents, high waves and beach erosion during high tide along ocean beachs. No evacuations have been issued nor have any shelters been opened.

According to the town there is a 64 percent chance that tropical storm conditions will be felt in the area on Friday.

Those in need of an emergency shelter should contact the American Red Cross and LIPA should be contacted to report power outages or downed power lines.

Emergency numbers for all of these offices are listed below.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Village of Patchogue Emergency Line: 631-475-1225
Town of Brookhaven: 631-451-TOWN (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
American Red Cross: 631-924-6911 (24 hour emergency number).
LIPA Call Center: 1-800-490-0075