Official: Hurricane Sandy Could Cause Massive Flooding on Dune Road and Beyond

Forget the wind — flooding could be the worst of the village's and Dune Road's problems, if Hurricane Sandy hits, Paul Houlihan, Westhampton Beach's building and zoning administrator said on Friday.

"It would not be unbelievable if Sandy brings water up further than Irene did," he said.

According to Houlihan, the village's flood zone runs from east of Main Street to Dune Road and during Irene, waters reached Library Avenue, forcing the village to close its bridges until waters subsided.

When it comes to the possible flooding effects of Hurricane Sandy, Houlihan, who has been watching the storm carefully, said he won't be surprised if water breaches Dune Road and makes its way right up to the edge of the village's flood zone.

With that, Houlihan advised residents to prepare for flooding — most people, he said, forget about their cars.

"If water goes up to the car window, it's not going to be a good thing," he said, recommending that anyone in a flood zone move their cars to higher ground.

And when it comes to protecting million dollar Dune Road homes from heavy winds, Houlihan said the best thing homeowners can do is shore up large windows with plywood and secure outdoor items.

"Hopefully the homeowners have all complied with FEMA regulations already. If they did, they are all set and are effectively out of harm's way," he said.

Houlihan also urged all seasonal homeowners to call their contractors or house sitters to inspect their homes prior to and after any storm.

For additional coverage of Hurricane Sandy, click here.

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