UPDATE: Power Restored Downtown to 2,000

Update, 12:25: LIPA has reported that power has largely been restored to the area. Just under 80 LIPA customers in Northampton remain affected, with a 2:00 estimated restoration time. However over 2,000 who had no power earlier in downtown Riverhead and in Riverside have their lights back on.

Original story: Over 2,000 Long Island Power Authority customers are without power around downtown Riverhead.

According to a Long Island Power Authority outage map, a crew was been assigned to part of the power outage – affecting over 1,300 customers – located in the middle of downtown Riverhead. An expected restoration time is listed as 12:30 p.m.

Meanwhile in Riverside just south of the traffic circle, LIPA is assessing the condition of another outage which is affecting 672 customers. Another outage in Northampton is affecting 14 customers, according to LIPA; a crew is assigned there with a 2 p.m. estimated restoration time.

The Peconic River is known to flood during storm surge warnings, particularly during high tide. High tide for South Jamesport, the closest location monitored by Saltwatertides.com, is listed for noon.

A weather alert from the National Weather Service states that Hurricane Sandy's strongest winds – including gusts of up to 85 miles per hour – are expected in the area Monday afternoon and evening.

According to the NWS, "Winds will be capable of downing trees and snapping off large tree branches. Power outages could be widespread and last at least several days."