Merokeans awoke this morning to the remnants of a bruising storm that inflicted hurricane-like damage across town.

As of 11 p.m. today, there were still 1,800 reported power outages in Merrick, as well as 565 in North Merrick. LIPA said it had restored power to about 60 percent of the 241,000 Long Island households that had power knocked out, but long duration outages are expected to last into the early part of the upcoming week.

Trees and downed power lines were abundant across Merrick today along with a fair share of fences and roof tiles.  Town of Hempstead and LIPA crews were visible throughout town working to make headway removing trees laying across streets and downed electric lines. 

A massive tree fell and damaged three properties on Van Nostrand Avenue in North Merrick. 

The tree, on the property of Dot F., a resident for more than 60 years, slammed to the ground around 8 p.m. last night. 

Ms. Dot's son, Mike, tried to get into his mother's home to see how she was doing but was unable to reach the front or back door.  He was only able to enter the home via a ladder placed on the neighbor's property, where the ladder remained as of this evening.

The large tree not only caused damage to three properties, but it was also resting on another tree that could take out electrical wires and a transformer if it were to fall.

"No one should park along this block until this is cleaned up," Mike F. said.  "I'm nervous if this other tree falls, it'll cause some serious damage."

The tree was roped off with caution tape a few hours ago after an unidentified woman, who was trying to take a picture fell in the hole where the tree was rooted.

Among the other damage around Merrick:

• Trees fell near Old Mill Road School and at Camp Avenue School.
• Little Whaleneck Road was impassable just south of Merrick Avenue.
• Sherman Avenue closed due to a fallen tree across the road near the Progressive School of L.I.
• Homes with roof damage seen along Henry Road as well as downed fences.
• On Merrick Avenue, a tree fell across the yard between two homes. 
• Near Merrick Avenue School the remants of the tree that fell across Merrick Avenue closing off part of the main roadway last night.
• Hewlett Avenue north of Sunrise Highway was shut down cordoned off by caution tape.   Fallen tree on Hewlett Avenue behind Chatterton Elementary School blocks entire roadway.

With driving rain and winds in excess of 65 miles per hour, the storm took its toll throughout the Town of Hempstead. Hempstead's highway and parks crews are in the process of clearing more than 250 downed trees that are on town rights of way, town property and blocking town roadways.

Hempstead Town appears to be the hardest hit township on Long island, comprising more power outages (52,397) than all other Long Island towns combined.

"We're responding forcefully to this major weather event, working to make roadways passable and safe for pedestrians and motorists," said Supervisor Kate Murray. "Fourteen tree crews are working in coordination with LIPA officials to help neighbors in the township in the wake of last night's storm."

Hempstead Town workers have responded to 200 locations, clearing trees from roadways and addressing other dangerous conditions. The remaining 60 trees require coordination with LIPA staff to ensure the safety of workers and residents as trees are entangled in or near downed LIPA power lines.  Murray has been in contact with Kevin Law, president and CEO of LIPA, coordinating efforts to respond as quickly as possible to electric and tree removal issues.

"LIPA is working around the clock to address all power outages from last night's treacherous storm," said Law. "We have already achieved restoration to 30,000 homes in Hempstead since the height of the storm and will continue to work with Murray and all other government leaders and safety officials as we continue to restore power back to our customers as quickly and safely as possible."

At one point this morning, Hempstead residents totaled more than 52,000 of the close to 90,000 outages across Long Island. Indeed, more than one-in-five Hempstead residents have been without electricity. As LIPA addresses those outages, Murray explained that Town of Hempstead crews are available to assist and coordinate efficient, safe and effective power restoration and tree removal.

"I have authorized all necessary and qualified personnel to work at restoring town roadways and removing felled trees," Murray said. "Town personnel and LIPA workers are coordinating their efforts to return normalcy to our communities rapidly and safely."

Residents who wish to report downed trees on Town of Hempstead roadways and rights of way can call 516-538-1900.