Long Island braces for nor’easter coastal flooding, beach erosion and wind damage

LONG ISLAND, New York (WABC) -- Businesses in coastal areas of Long Island are preparing for potential flooding as an expected storm threatens rain, wind and coastal flooding impacts.

On the South Shore in Suffolk County, some business owners say flood preparations have become routine.

"We are going to slow down on production of food because we might be closed a few days," said Lynda Nenninger, co-owner of the Chowder Bar.

Nenninger said the restaurant, which has been in business for 38 years, has flood plans in place. As part of those preparations, employees are raising items off the floor and readying the building in case floodwaters enter.

"We have a few pieces of equipment that is permanently on milk crates because we flood pretty often," Nenninger said.She added, "We are kind of built like a boat, we have no insulation in the walls, no rugs."

Boaters are also preparing for the storm.

"We are going to bat all the hatches down and put up the canvases and try to tie it up the best we can and hopefully everyone can weather the storm," said Janna O'Grady of Bay Shore.

George Gorman said conditions along the coast were already beginning to change.

"The surf is coming up now, it's already starting, it's rougher you can see higher wave heights," Gorman said.

At Jones Beach, crews built large piles of sand to help protect the shoreline and infrastructure. According to Gorman, the Long Island regional director at the New York State Office of Parks, natural dune defenses can help prevent flooding.

"We learned a lot from Superstorm Sandy and how to protect the beaches and facilities and that's what we have done," Gorman said.

Not everyone was convinced the preparations would be enough.

"What do you think seeing these mounds of sand? It's not enough, I have Sandy in my head and it's not enough," one person said.Patrick Eagan of Seaford said his experience during Superstorm Sandy has influenced how he prepares for severe weather.

"I lived through Sandy, I have my to-go bag, I don't think I'll need it but I have some experience with it," Eagan said. Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed state agencies to prepare for the expected storm and is encouraging residents, particularly those in low-lying coastal areas, to remain vigilant.

For Nenninger, dealing with the threat of flooding has become a familiar challenge.
"It's getting a little old, but on the other (hand) we have gotten really good at it and can clean up pretty fast," she said.

In Howard Beach, water was already high in Shellbank Basin, a channel lined with docks behind Lenny's Clam Bar. The restaurant, which has been in the community for more than 50 years, has endured major storms in the past when storm surge pushed through the channel.

Sonia Rincon reports from Howard Beach with more on how the community is preparing for the incoming nor'easter.
"It'll go into like the side door and the back area over here," said David Dowling of Lenny's Clam Bar.

Workers at the restaurant said preparation goes beyond sandbags."Wet vacs. Mops. We try to get as many people on it to try to mitigate the situation as fast as we can," Dowling said.

Residents and business owners across the South Shore said they are preparing for whatever challenges the next few days may bring.Peak wind gusts Friday evening through Saturday could reach 55 mph, strong enough to potentially topple trees, bring down branches on wires and cause outages.

PSEG Long Island said it has personnel ready to respond safely and as quickly as possible throughout the storm.Due to the sea conditions, Long Island Ferry has canceled Cross Sound ferries through Saturday.