The coastal storm that barreled through the region late last night and early this morning brought strong winds and hazardous gusts that downed trees, branches and wires, causing scattered power outages across Long island, PSEG-LI said in an early morning update.
Nearly 4,000 of PSEG-LI’s 1.2 million electric customers across the island and the Rockways were still without power this morning at 6 a.m., while more than 12,700 customers that lost power had service restored since 4 p.m. Monday, PSEG said.
Currently fewer than five PSEG-LI customers in Riverhead are without power.
There is some ponding on local roads, Riverhead Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski said this morning. Sound Avenue near the intersection with Osborn Avenue is flooded and highway crews are there with pumper trucks clearing drains and the road surface.
Zaleski asked motorists to drive slowly and use extra caution traveling to school and work today.
A coastal flood warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. today. Moderate flooding in vulnerable areas along the Peconic River is expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Heidi Behr Way on the Peconic riverfront is closed from Peconic Avenue to the municipal parking lot south of the town square due to flooding.
Reeves Beach is closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic until further notice due to storm damage, according to Supervisor Tim Hubbard’s office.
The highway superintendent said crews will be pumping out town storm drains all day.
PSEG-LI said it expects strong winds to continue throughout the day that could cause additional outages.
All PSEG Long Island employees have mobilized to support the restoration efforts, the utility said in an update statement emailed this morning. This includes more than 900 line workers, tree trimmers, surveyors and other field personnel, PSEG said. Additionally more than 720 contractors are on site to address outages, the company said.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl and Alek Lewis. Courtesy photos by George Goode of Baiting Hollow.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect new closures and to include photos.
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