Smithtown Reports Major Damage throughout the Town
LI Congressmen Ask Hochul for Assistance
By Hank Russell
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico both declared a state of emergency after these areas were damaged from the torrential rains as a result of Hurricane Ernesto.
On August 19, Romaine was joined by elected officials who surveyed the damage in Stony Brook, where Main Street (Route 25A) near Hungry Harbor Road collapsed. “Suffolk County was significantly impacted by the remnants of Ernesto overnight,” Romaine posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“I have declared a State of Emergency for Suffolk County. Suffolk County departments have been deployed to various locations throughout the County to assess flooding impacts and damage to our roadways and communities,” Romaine added.
He later held a press conference at Blydenburgh Park in Hauppauge, where a bridge collapsed. Further details were not available as of press time.
Meanwhile, Brookhaven issued a letter to New York State Secretary of State Walter Mosley. The town said in a statement, “Damage was especially severe on the North Shore which experienced severe flooding. … The North Shore communities of the Town of Brookhaven were especially hit hard by the storm that produced heavy rain, strong winds and flooding.”
The Town of Smithtown saw heavy rains and flash flooding last night, enduring approximately ten inches in total. Among the damage and closures the town experienced included:
- The headwaters of the Nissequogue crested at Paul T. Given Park.
- The basement of the building next to the park (formerly the Oasis) flooded up to the first floor.
- LIRR service was suspended between Port Jefferson and Kings Park in both directions due to flooding from the Nissequogue River west of Smithtown.
- Maple Avenue at Millers Pond (Wildwood Lane to Darling Avenue) was closed due to overflow conditions.
- Town Hall, which took in close to four feet of water in the basement, operated on backup power.
- The Parks Department building in Kings Park sustained flooding damage to the shop area and its vehicles were badly flooded.
- As of this morning, we’ve estimated approximately 50 town trees (in the town right of way) were either uprooted or down.
- Landing Country & Golf Club sustained washouts and drainage issues in addition to damage on the 9th hole of the course.
- Maple Avenue is closed from Wildwood Lane to Darling Avenue.
- North Country Road from Mills Pond road all the way up north, is closed and impassable.
- West Main Street from Maple Avenue to Edgewood Avenue is closed.
Despite the closures and damage, Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said the town was “fortunate.”
“We were fortunate in comparison to surrounding areas, much in part due to proactive measures and recent upgrades made to infrastructure, elevated roadways, and state-of-the-art engineering at Smithtown’s most vulnerable areas,” Wehrheim said. “I want to commend our crews working throughout the night. … We will not stop until flooding concerns have been addressed, the roads are clear, and our residents can safely resume daily routines.”
Also on August 19, U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota (R-Hauppauge), Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue), Anthony D’Esposito (R-Garden City) and Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul to include this weather event under the ongoing state of emergency for storm-related damage on July 16 so that federal and state funds can go to those communities affected by the recent storm. They cited the road collapse in Stony Brook as “just one example of the extensive damage that has occurred throughout the region,” adding, “Roads, homes, and businesses across Long Island have been affected, overwhelming local resources and emergency services.”
According to the letter, covering the events of August 18 “will enable the rapid allocation of resources necessary for recovery and allow for the activation of state and federal assistance programs. These programs are essential to addressing the immediate needs of those affected, repairing the damaged infrastructure, and preventing further harm to our communities.”
“By including this storm in the ongoing state of emergency declared on July 16th, Governor Hochul can unlock the resources necessary to help our residents and businesses rebuild and recover,” LaLota said. “I urge the governor to act swiftly to address this situation.”
Long Island Life & Politics has reached out to Hochul’s office for comment. In response to the letter, Gordon Tepper, a spokesperson for the governor, said in a statement, “The State has been in regular contact with Suffolk County officials and is providing support to our local partners. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services staff is embedded in the local emergency operations center and supporting local shelters with supplies. The Department of Transportation and State Police are also working closely with the Office of Emergency Management and will continue assisting communities throughout storm response and recovery.”