Shelter Island Supervisor Jim Dougherty has declared a state of emergency for the island and is urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate before Hurricane Sandy hits the area Monday evening.
The Shelter Island Senior Center is now open for those seeking shelter, but the supervisor told WLNG Monday morning that he recommends that everyone stay home if they are not located in a flood-prone area.
“Shelter Islanders usually stay in place during these storms, and that is usually the best thing to do,” he said.
Dougherty said as of Monday morning the Ram Island causeway is flooded, isolating residents on Ram Island. Parts of Bridge Street and Chequit Avenue are also among areas flooded on the island. The supervisor said he went door-to-door on Sunday on Ram Island and Montclair Colony, urging residents to ride out the storm elsewhere.
Dougherty added that trucks and workers from the Long Island Power Authority are now stationed on the island, and that he expects multiple power outages during Hurricane Sandy.
“Everyone will have to be very patient,” he said.
Check for updates on the Town of Shelter Island website here.
Expect delays in ferry service to and from Shelter Island during the storm.
