Hurricane Earl May Head Our Way; Tri-State Area Preps
SMITH POINT PARK, N.Y. (CBS 2) -- Preparations for extreme weather are under way in the Tri-State area.
Hurricane Danielle is blamed for the rough surf at the Jersey Shore Monday - but the real concern is Hurricane Earl, already lashing away at Caribbean Nations, and headed in our direction.
Despite the bright blue skies, storms swirling offshore concealed threatening rip currents already created by Earl. Now, Long island residents are preparing for the rest of the week with dread – recalling recent hurricanes and nor'easters, which meant costly beach erosion, damaging winds, coastal flooding and dangerous seas and surf.
CBS New York's Hurricane And Tropical Storm Guide
"We've had it before, with Gloria," said Eris Filiberto, Manorville resident. "It's done tremendous to Long Island. It could take away all our beaches. Could be looking at another Katrina."
Nassau and Suffolk's Offices of Emergency Management have begun their 120-hour hurricane window. Brochures are being mailed to addresses within a hurricane flood zone surge. Web sites outline evacuation instructions, with closest shelter locations.
"Code Red" is a new electronic alert sent to residents who sign up for the latest information on the storm's path.
Suffolk Country executive Steve Levy said his county is working hard to prepare for the worst.
"Making sure our shelters are in place, our pet shelters are open," he said.
Experts advise to prepare a "go-kit" with a change of clothes, a battery powered flashlight and radio, prescriptions and first aid, personal items and important documents packed in a duffle bag – just in case.
For more information on Code Red, click here.
