UPDATE: Mangano Orders Mandatory Evacuation for Storm Surge Zones Ahead of Hurricane

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano ordered a mandatory evacuation for all residents living in a flood or storm surge zone, effective 2 p.m. Sunday.

As a rule of thumb, this area is defined as south of Sunrise Highway, from the Queens line to Rockville Centre and South of Merrick Road, from Rockville Centre to the Nassau-Suffolk border.

This mandatory evacuation also includes the residents on the north shore of Nassau County that reside in low-lying areas and storm surge zones. Low-lying are defined as 15 feet above sea-level or less. 

It is essential that this evacuation begin prior to wind gusts that exceed 55 miles per hour.  Once winds exceed this level, flying debris could be deadly. 

Residents should immediately implement their Friends and Family Sheltering Plan as staying in homes on higher ground will provide the most comfortable situation during the storm.  Three public shelters will open today at 1 p.m., including:

• Nassau Community College – P Building – located at 1 Education Dr. in Garden City East.
• Levittown Memorial – located at 150 Abbey Lane in Levittown
• Locust Valley High School – located at 99 Horse Hollow Road in Locust Valley.
• SUNY Old Westbury - 23 Store Hill Road in Old Westbury

 A Pet Shelter is also open at Nassau County Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale and in the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter in Port Washington. 

A Kosher Shelter is open at West Hempstead High School. Monday  morning at 8 a.m., a public shelter will also open at Manhasset High School.

All residents throughout Nassau County are reminded to tie down and secure all items outside their homes, as flying debris can be deadly.

 All non-life threatening emergencies should be directed to the County’s Non-Emergency Hotline at 1-888-684-4274.  Residents should only contact 911 if there is a life-threatening emergency.

To learn more about hurricane preparation, including assembling an Emergency Go-Kit, residents are encouraged to visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/hurricane

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This story was updated at 7:10 p.m. Oct. 28, 2012.