Firefighters, Emergency Workers Help Clear Storm Damages [UPDATE]

Hurricane Irene touched down overnight in Malverne and West Hempstead bringing 55 mph winds and torrential rain that pulled down trees and power lines, leaving some residents in the dark.

According to Paul Jessup of the Malverne Department of Public Works, “There isn’t enough newspaper to write how many downed trees and power lines,” due to the storm. Jessup and his crew is currently in the process of clearing up the storm’s mess, which includes removing wires and trees on top of cars and spread throughout the streets to make sure roads are safe and open to everyone.

Similarly, Heather Senti, assistant fire chief for the Lakeview Fire Department, is busy working with Nassau County Emergency Management and Chief Michael Koppel and Captain Sal Sinatro to clear fallen trees, downed wires and gas leaks. Senti said they helped mitigate flooding issues, cleared storm drains that normally flood and cleared roadways to open up roads for emergency vehicle access. She also said the crew did an “excellent job” alleviating all incidents throughout the duration of the storm.

Alex Jacobson, owner of Lakewood Stables, also did an excellent job making sure the horses were safe during Hurricane Irene’s wrath. Typically, he said, horses can get nervous during high winds and storm-like conditions, but they made a lot of precautions and gave all the horses plenty of food and water. No damages were reported and Jacobson said they were “very lucky” and “all the horses were fine.”

Patch will keep you updated throughout the weekend about power outages, downed trees and other hazzards created by the hurricane.

The following is a list of current power outages in Malverne and West Hempstead,according to the Long Island Power Authority.

As of 12:48 p.m. 1,983 Malverne homes between Hempstead Avenue and Ocean Avenue are still in the dark and another 250 customers south of Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead remain without power. 

According to LIPA, technicians were out assessing the problems in the area.

Keep checking back for more updates.

Know of a downed tree or power line, or a closed road in Malverne or West Hempstead? Tell us in the comments.