Storm 'Packed A Punch' To Southampton Shorelines: Officials

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Tuesday's storm packed a punch in Southampton, town officials said.

"We were hit pretty hard again by this storm," said Ryan Murphy, Southampton Town public safety and emergency management administrator.

"Unfortunately, we’ve suffered some significant storm damage due to frequent storms that have occurred at a rate that does not allow the beach a chance to naturally replenish itself in any way," he said.

By Murphy's observation, Tuesday night's storm seemed to be somewhat of a blend of the December 2022 and December 2023 storms. "We observed wave action on the beach similar to the December 18, 2023 storm, and we observed inland flooding on the south shore that was similar to the December 23, 2022 storm, in my estimation," he said.

The storm, he said, "once again significantly eroded the dune area on the west side of the Shinnecock Inlet near the commercial dock.

"The county had been attempting to fortify that area since the December storm and it seems like much of that work — along with any dredging work done before that as well — was quickly undone by this storm system and the 15 to 20-foot crashing waves on the beach."

Dune Road, he said, also experienced significant flooding and there are also indicators of many overwash points, where the ocean overtopped the dune structure.

Wednesday's second high tide, around 6:42 p.m., he said, "may still be a little rough due to the trailing storm and residual winds, but the tide should be about a foot lower and the winds will again be a bit more favorable. I think the most concerning time has passed us — but the storm did pack a punch."

Murphy added that town officials are currently still assessing all areas to get a more accurate estimation of what kind of damage was sustained.