Tropical Storm Warning Issued as Hurricane Earl Heads North

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for northeastern Suffolk County in effect for tomorrow, Sept. 3.

From what originally began as small talk for the East Coast, meteorologists on television and radio this morning were questioning whether Hurricane Earl will follow the computer modules which show the hurricane turning north. 

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Earl, a category 4 hurricane, is predicted to pass 150 miles east of Montauk Point, or 250 miles east of New York City. The weather service warns that although Earl is at a far distance, it will still impact Long Island. 

As residents, town crews, and emergency services on Long Island prepare for the tropical storm, the Town of Brookhaven said there are no plans to evacuate at the moment.

"The Town of Brookhaven continues to monitor the track of Hurricane Earl as it moves up the east coast and all essential departments have taken the necessary steps to ensure that emergency crews and equipment are at the ready," Brookhaven supervisor Mark Lesko said in a statement.

He said residents can stay current on weather updates and hurricane planning by contacting the Town of Brookhaven at 451-TOWN or by visiting brookhaven.org.

Suffolk County's Emergency Medical Services division sent notices out to agencies across the county requesting that in preparation for the storm, fuel tanks are ready, vehicles are fueled, spare batteries are handy, and that agency personnel are available for any emergency. 

Suffolk County released a list of local emergency shelters, which include:

• Ward Melville High School, 380 Old Town Road
• Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School, 25 Mud Road
• Nassakeag Elementary School, 490 Pond Path
• Setauket Elementary School, 134 Main Street
• Minnesauke Elementary School, 21 Highgate Drive
• Arrowhead Elementary School, 62 Arrowhead Lane
• Robert C. Murphy Jr. High School, 351 Oxhead Road
• William Sidney Mount Elementary School, 50 Dean Lane

Important phone numbers:

• Life threatening emergencies – 911
• 24/7 number for the American Red Cross – 631-924-6911
• LIPA Call Center – 1-800-490-0075