Earl Weakens, But Still Causes Issues On Long Island
YAPHANK, N.Y. (CBS 2) -- Tropical Storm Earl may have lost much of its strength on Friday, but it's still creating dangerous conditions on Long Island.
Earl's wind-driven rain hit the East End like a freight train early Friday evening, surprising drivers on Sunrise Highway.
One woman was nearly killed as her Mercury Milan slid into the oncoming lanes and folded itself around the westbound guardrail.
LISTEN: WCBS 880 Reporter Sophia Hall reports from Montauk
"I just spoke to the other driver, who doesn't have that many injuries – he said that he completely lost control of his car, hydroplaned, and went right into my wife's car," the woman's husband, Dave Kelly, said.
For most residents, the storm presented itself as a series of slick roads and deep puddles. Winds were surprisingly light.
Heide Silverstein rushed out to her Hamptons home from Westchester to bring in the deck furniture. She's got candles going in case of a possible power outage, but hasn't moved anything yet.
"I'm still ready. I'm poised and ready to go, but I haven't pulled anything in yet. It hasn't been necessary," she said.
First responders at Suffolk's Emergency Management Center kept watch throughout the night, but reported virtually no serious problems from the storm – no need for evacuations, shelters or rescues.
The man in charge, though, warned that residents should not be lured into complacency.
"I think they're gambling with themselves, because one of these days we're going to get something," Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Williams said. "Everybody should prepare just like the government prepares. Everybody's home should prepare, individual families should prepare. They got very lucky."
