State of emergency

The omicron variant has not yet been detected in New York, but “it’s coming,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said yesterday. Citing the new variant and "warning signs" of a winter surge, including COV1D-19 transmission rates the state has not seen since April 2020, the governor declared a new statewide state of disaster emergency.

New Yorkers are "getting back on track and starting to live life once again," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said yesterday, as he announced the COVID-19 emergency order, set to expire at midnight June 24, would not be renewed.

Under the latest emergency order issued by the town supervisor, all town buildings and facilities are now open to the public and town board meetings will resume their normal schedule, with the second meeting each month taking place at 6 p.m.

The state of emergency has been extended in the Town of Riverhead, where town buildings and facilities remain either closed or open on a limited basis through the end of the month, Supervisor Yvette Aguiar announced Friday.

Assembly Republicans, including North Fork Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo, have introduced legislation that would limit the governor’ executive authority during states of emergency and allow county executives more power over state of emergency declarations in their counties. Palumbo has also called for a quicker easing of business restrictions.

Here's the latest update from the Town of Riverhead, including information about beaches, parks, town government reopening preparations, meetings and more.

A state of emergency has been declared by the Riverhead town supervisor, Suffolk county executive and New York governor as a blizzard pounds Suffolk County this morning.

Suffolk County transit bus service is suspended today. The LIRR is still running with “good service” on the Ronkonkoma line, but delays are being reported on the Montauk and Port Jefferson lines. Train service may be suspended or cancelled, according to the LIRR. Getting to a train station by car will be hazardous, officials warn.

The weather service is watching a storm system that may bring 6+ inches of snow to LI Sunday night, as snow removal continues from this week's blizzard.

Riverhead's state of emergency lifted, but snow, ice and drifts continue to make travel difficult around town. Motorists urged to use extra caution and avoid unnecessary travel.