Nassau County Exec. Bruce Blakeman urges people to stay in Friday night, but says flooding not at state of emergency
HERRICKS, N.Y. -- A portion of Herricks got the worst of Friday's flooding in Nassau County, but the county executive said it doesn't rise to the level of a state of emergency.
It appeared Herricks Park Pond overflowed, which caused problems across several surrounding blocks, but the water was receding Friday evening.
Still, the weather marked the wettest September day on record. Peninsula Boulevard flooded and first responders rescued at least one driver in Oceanside.
Herricks residents said their neighborhood flooded like this about six months ago, too.
"I don't think they were ready this time. So they didn't have sandbags out this time," said Lawrence Linn. "Last time they closed some roads, but, no, this is bad. Especially when it happens right now, traffic hour. There's a lot of detours right now."
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman sent a robocall urging people in low-lying areas on the North and South shores to avoid going out Friday night.
CBS New York also saw street flooding in Glen Cove and Bayville. In Rockville Centre, the water on one block in the middle of the commercial area was knee deep.
Residents were frustrated by repeated flooding in low-lying areas. Back in Herricks, they said the water was coming up through the toilets into the homes, suggesting there wasn't just rainwater, but also a mix of sewage.
"It's smelling very bad," Salem Sumnani said.
Friday marked the second time the Sumnani family has had its basement destroyed in less than two years.
Many across the county stayed home Friday night out of necessity, drying out flooded basements and garages.