(10/30/06) PATCHOGUE - Nine seaside homes in Patchogue lost their back yards to the weekend's storms as rough waters overcame a protective wall.

A seawall in back of the Bay Road houses protected residents from ocean waters before strong winds and rough currents destroyed the bulkheads. Several hundred feet of seawall gave way, leaving the back and front yards of the homes flooded. Residents expressed great fear of being completely exposed when the next storm or hurricane passes through. One resident says she pays more than $1,300 annually in flood insurance. She claims the provider has refused to cover any damages to any property other than the house structure itself.

The office of Rep. Tim Bishop (D-1st District) says the congressman plans to petition FEMA to allow the affected families to apply for disaster relief.