What You Need to Know the Day Before the Storm

Hurricane Irene is about to hit the North Fork. It still remains to be seen what the storm effects will be, but it's always good to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. Here are some things to know as we anticipate the storm:

1. Officials on the North Fork and Shelter Island have declared states of emergency and have announced storm shelter openings at schools and community centers.

2. Local gas station workers say they are all stocked up on fuel through Sunday.

3. The Cross Sound Ferry out of Orient will not be running after 4 p.m. on Saturday and the Shelter Island Ferry service is limited to emergency runs on Sunday.

4. The Long Island Rail Road will come to a halt at noon on Saturday.

5. Be sure to print out this list of emergency numbers.

6. Get your last-minute supplies at local grocery and hardware stores while you can.

7. The Suffolk County Water Authority working to keep water flowing during the storm.

8. Be prepared for storm surges — a new moon means an exceptionally high tide during the hurricane.

9. Southold Town beaches are closed until further notice.

10. After all is said and done, we'd love to see your photos of the storm and its aftermath if you are so inclined. Stay tuned for an opportunity to post your shots on North Fork Patch.