Babylon Town Prepares for 'Frankenstorm'

Hurricane Sandy, nicknamed 'Frankenstorm' for its Halloween week debut, isn't expected to show her force on Long Island until Sunday night, but Babylon Town officials are already preparing for her aftermath.

Town spokesperson, Tim Ruggeri, said that officials started its preparation Friday by putting every truck through the auto garage to make sure it will be usable after the storm.

He said that the town is taking a cue from last year's Hurricane Irene, which left major damage from downed trees and long-lasting power outages among the town's households. The town's Department of Public Works is checking its chain saws and tree-removal equipment to ensure the machinery is in working order for the storm's clean up, he said.

Ruggeri also said that the Town will be in close contact with the Long Island Power Authority and be working with the electric company in the aftermath of the storm in case trees get caught up in the company's wires.

"We're preparing for the worst, even though we’re hoping it won't be that bad," he said.

Town workers are also going into downtown areas Friday to remove hanging flower baskets and trash receptacles that are not bolted down, he said.

As of Friday, the forecast calls for Long Island to get between 4 and 6 inches of rain with the South Shore possibly seeing more. According to the National Weather Service, Long Island has a 30-40 percent chance of getting tropical storm-force winds. Gusts of 50 mph have been measured 300 miles from the storm's eye. 

The NWS in New York warns significant coastal flooding is possible.

Hurricane Sandy has already been blamed for 21 deaths in the Caribbean.

"We are monitoring the storm very, very closely. Speculating too much would be a mistake right now. We urge people to stay informed," Ruggeri said.

Information regarding Hurricane Sandy will be posted to Town's website as the storm moves in.