On East End, residents brace for storm

First thing Saturday morning, Amagansett hunting and fishing guide Harvey Bennett took a client duck hunting on Long Island's East End.

"Hunting is always the best before a big snowstorm, because the animals and birds are looking for shelter and feeding because they can sense when a storm is coming," said Bennett, at work at his tackle shop after he and his client bagged three ducks. "I saw 30 deer this morning."

He had tried to get gas early at the Hess station in Wainscott, but gave up because "the lines were wrapped around the block."

"It was a madhouse," Bennett said.

Forecasters said the East End was expected to receive the most snow from the storm - as much as 18 to 20 inches.

Mindful of the forecast, residents busied themselves preparing for the storm.

About 10 a.m., Andy Underwood of Montauk was fueling the equipment he uses to plow driveways at rental apartments he owns.

"I also help out my neighbors," he noted.

"At least I got plenty of notice with this storm. This will be great before Christmas," he said of the chance to have a blanket of snow on the ground for the holiday.

Jessie Stavola of Montauk was out early, jogging across the hills of the Montauk Downs State Park golf course.

"Tomorrow [Sunday] I know there's going to be snow on the ground, and I won't be able to run," she said. "So I have to get my exercise while I can, because I'm training for the softball team at Dowling College, where I'm a sophomore. I also know I'll be stuck in the house the next few days eating, so I want to jog now.

"I'm really surprised we are going to get this much snow," Stavola said. "I'm very excited, because I just got a new puppy, and I can't wait to see what he's like in the snow."

Katie Suter of East Hampton made it to a pump to fill her SUVs tank.

"I'm gassing up and food shopping today," she said. "My three kids are so excited about the storm. They can't wait for it to come because they're getting a new toboggan for Christmas."

Ellie and Kevin Cronin of East Hampton were shopping at CVS in the village.

"We were planning on getting a live Christmas tree this year, but when we heard about the snowstorm, we knew we would have nothing to do. So we decided to come in and buy an artificial tree," she said. "We're planning to spend the whole day decorating it."