UPDATE: Southampton Town Orders Evacuations in Flanders

Southampton Town has ordered a mandatory evacuation of low-lying areas in Southampton Town beginning around 10 a.m. Saturday. Residents in the Flanders Fire Department areas deemed unsafe will be evacuated beginning at noon.

Emergency responders will be traveling throughout the at-risk areas to move residents out before Hurricane Irene hits.

Those living in mobile homes, or near the water in low-lying areas must leave, according to a statement released this morning.

Check the flood maps attached to this post to see if you are in a mandatory evacuation area. With Irene expected to strike as a Category 1 storm, Zone 1 (orange) is within the evacuation zone. This includes parts of Riverside along the Peconic, as well as areas in Flanders along the bay.

"Residents who experienced ground water flooding back in March or 2010 should evacuate until the storm passes," the town's statement said. The statement added that voluntary evacuations would help assist EMS, Police and Fire crews with getting residents to higher ground.

Town Police Lieutenant Robert Iberger said the town was taking precautions and urged residents in the evacuation zones to leave their homes.

"Help us help you," Iberger said. "If you are asked to evacuate — evacuate." 

"This storm brings a risk of flooding from torrential rains as well as surge/tide," the statement said. "If you think you may be in an at risk location err on the side of caution and evacuate."

SHELTER LOCATIONS

 - Pets will be accepted and taken off site.

 - For people with special medical needs.

 in Riverhead - Pet friendly

For more information about what you need to know to weather the storm, check our for phone numbers, shelter information, and more.

With reporting from Brendan O'Reilly