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The near 100-acre lake at Smithtown’s Blydenburgh County Park has been drained.
The lake’s dam and concrete bridge collapsed, releasing millions of gallons of water into the Nissequogue River following the Monday morning storm that ripped through the area. The floodwaters then inundated roadways, including Jericho Turnpike, and affected homes, schools, and businesses. It also delayed trains on LIRR’s Port Jefferson Branch. The severity of the storm prompted the county to declare a state of emergency.
The “thousand-year” storm slammed northwestern Suffolk County with over 10 inches of rainfall in some areas, with Smithtown seeing 8.1 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
“We knew there was severe weather in Connecticut, but it all moved south and hit the North Shore of Suffolk County,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
Blydenburgh Lake, also known as Stump Pond, was dammed in 1798 to power a grist mill, according to Suffolk County Parks. In recent times, the body of water was used for recreational fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, as well as for a 5.7-mile loop trail for hikers.
A Blydenburgh park worker Tuesday morning confirmed the park is still open; however, parts of the hiking trail are closed, and fishing or boating is currently not allowed. The camping, picnic, and dog run areas remain available to the public.
Nearby Mill Pond, also known locally as the Stony Brook Duck Pond at Avalon Nature Preserve, was also severely impacted by the storm, with its dam collapsing as well.
Update: Stony Brook Grist Mill, built in 1699, is safe for now
“This is a major catastrophe which was not expected,” said Romaine, who assessed the damage Monday. See the damage below, as well as remarks from Romaine.
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Top: Dried up Stump Pond in Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown. Credit: Michael Ehrlich)
