Southampton Police: Don't Head Home Just Yet

While winds have died down and the Hurricane Irene has headed north, Southampton Police are asking displaced residents to not return home just yet.

Lt. Robert Iberger, of the Southampton Police said, "Although the worst part of Irene has passed, we still anticipate winds with gusts of 50 miles per hour continuing until 5 p.m."

Iberger says most residents will will also return to no power; 55 percent of the town's residences are currently without power.

LIPA has stated that it assessing the situation, but has not yet released estimated restoration times — and Southampton Police are asking residents not to tie up emergency lines to ask when their power will be back on.

"They need to contact LIPA directly," said Iberger.

Town Highway crews are also working to assess damage and has stated that opening roadways may be hampered by downed power lines, trees and flooding.

Many roads, including Montauk Highway in East Quogue and in Hampton Bays also do not have working traffic signals.

Already, police have stated that they do not plan on opening Dune Road, which is flooded, anytime soon. The roadway and the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays was shut down earlier this morning due to flooding.

Police are asking all residents to stay off local roads, especially for the sole purpose of sightseeing.

"Unless you are a utility worker or on assignment, DWI or highway worker or emergency service worker on a call, we ask that you remain off the road," said Iberger