Heavier than Normal Flooding Reported – Street Pumping Prohibition Temporarily Waived
Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth and Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino are responding hastily to Sunday night’s heavy rain storm that slammed the Long Island region.
As forecasters called for strong storms on Sunday night, Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth began rallying his team to handle anything that could impact the Town, including downs trees, sink holes and heavier than normal flooding.
“When the weather turns ugly, I always know I can rely on my partners in Government to come to the aide of the Town, especially Andre Sorrentino and the Highway Department”, said Ed Smyth. “Huntington’s emergency response protocol is second to none when it comes to tackling what mother nature dishes out.”
To assist residents with the impact of the heavier than normal rains and the flooding, Supervisor Smyth has ordered a temporary waiver for residents to discharge storm water from flooded basements into the roadway. The Town’s Pubic Safety office will not be issuing violations for the next 48 hours, while residents deal with home flooding.
Smyth added, “under normal circumstances a discharge into our roadways would be a violation of Town Code (Ch 133-1 A, B & C). This can cause hazards for pedestrians and traffic. In this case, our neighbors were impacted greater than normal and we want to do whatever we can to assist them in bringing their property back to normal.”
The Highway Department took to the roads at the early onset of the storm. After surveying the Town, they reported approximately 10 sink holes and minimal trees down. Flooding, however, was the predominant issue, with the Town reporting heavy flooding in a few areas.
According to Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino, “The Town’s Highway Department is responding to the heavier flooded areas. Our team will work until these areas are secure. We are happy to report that most of the Town is clear and passable thanks to the overnight work of our crews. They did a terrific job responding to this weather emergency.” Sorrentino added, “as always, we want our residents to know we are here for them. If you have an issue, please contact the Town’s Highway Department at 631-499-0444.”
