Town To Declare State of Emergency, Open Shelter Saturday

The Town of Riverhead said they will issue a state of emergency at 10 a.m. Saturday according to a statement released Friday evening.

The state of emergency will remain in effect until further notice, the statement continued.

The town will also open a hurricane shelter in conjunction with the American Red Cross at at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Supervisor Sean Walter said.

"There are not mandatory evacuations, but what we're asking people to do is take stock of where they live," Walter said. "If you're in an unstable structure or a mobile home, the shelter will be open to you."

Walter added that buses will be used to move people to the shelter starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, though he urged residents in low-lying areas to try to find shelter with family and friends.

"We're preparing for the worst, hoping for the best," Walter said.

Those seeking shelter should bring medicine, flashlights, blankets, food and water, according to the town's statement. Pets will not be allowed in the town shelter, so the town is advising those with animals to make other arrangements for their pet's safety.

The state of emergency will also prohibit unauthorized vehicles from traveling on the road during the hurricane, which is predicted to hit sometime early Sunday morning.

For information about emergency contacts for Riverhead residents,

For a listing of events that have been cancelled this weekend due to the impending storm,