Mangano said on Saturday that it was likely residents who experienced flooding during Tropical Storm Irene would be asked to relocate until the storm subsides. Mangano issued a mandatory evacuation on Sunday, saying, "It is essential that this evacuation begin prior to wind gusts that exceed 55 miles per hour. Once winds exceed this level, flying debris could be deadly. It is also essential that this evacuation begin immediately, as NICE Bus and the MTA will shut down public transportation beginning at 7 p.m. tonight."

Residents who live on the Barrier Island - Long Beach, Atlantic Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach or Point Lookout - are in the storm surge zone. Those who live south of Sunrise Highway from the Queens border to Rockville Centre, south of Merrick Road from Rockville Centre to the Suffolk border, as well as those on the north shore in areas 10-feet or less above sea level, are also in a storm surge zone.

To assist in evacuation of the barrier island, the Atlantic Beach Bridge leading to Route 878 will be adjusted for northern traffic flow only beginning at 4 p.m., Mangano said.

"I urge residents in these areas to immediately review their family and friends sheltering plan for potential evacuation," Mangano said Saturday. "Although public shelters will open for those in need, residents will be more comfortable in the homes of family and friends."

"With respect to hospitals and nursing homes on the barrier island and the length of time to safely transport patients, I am declaring a mandatory evacuation of Long Beach [Medical Center] and all the skilled nursing home facilities on the barrier island. Although the storm track could still change, emergency first responders, police and public works crews remain at the call to assist our residents."

LBMC CEO Doug Meltzer said that the hospital will begin transferring patients and residents from the Komanoff Center to other area hospitals and nursing homes on Sunday morning. Patients and residents will return after the storm passes, he said.