Massive nor'easter rolls into Baldwin

A massive nor’easter out of the west swept across Long Island early Monday, dropping up to a foot or more of snow across the area, with wind gusts reaching as high as 60 miles per hour.

Nassau County and Town of Hempstead officials had urged people ahead of time to stay off the roads during the storm if they could. Road conditions were “treacherous” by Monday morning.

The South Shore was expected to be “most vulnerable,” the county executive said Sunday, adding that wind was going to play a significant role in the storm, creating blizzard-like conditions.

The county was under a winter storm watch and officials were closely monitoring Winter Storm Orlena, County Executive Laura Curran said in a statement Monday.

Snow accumulated up to 18 to 24 inches, and coastal flooding was also possible along the south shore, as of press time Monday.

The Baldwin School District posted on its website over the weekend that school was closed Monday, with no remote instruction taking place.

The Baldwin Public Library was also closed for the day, however, still held its online programs as scheduled. Additionally, digital resources remained available on the website at www.baldwinpl.org.

“I just wish I had more time to shovel snow today,” said Baldwin resident Dr. Fitzgerald Alcindor, FACEP. “But, as a doctor, first responder and essential worker, I have to go into work today. It is a bit stressful . . . but I’m not that worried and it’s not that stressful having to go into work during this snowstorm.”

He only had to travel ten minutes to his workplace, at Summit City MD in Rockville Centre.

“I’m actually slightly happy to be able to work during this snowstorm,” Alcindor said, adding that Summit City MD provided all of its workers with a three-hour delay to come into work.

“This allows all the workers to come in three hours after the opening of the City MD today,” he said. “My 8 a.m. shift became an 11 a.m. shift. This will allow for safe traveling — which I am very grateful for.”

Additionally, the side streets near his home in Baldwin Harbor had yet to be shoveled as he was leaving for work. Alcindor said he believed the main streets were clearer, and was thankful for his sturdy car.

“I’m happy to be a doctor during this time and I’m grateful to be able to help and serve various people to care for their medical needs during this time of the Covid pandemic,” Alcindor said. “I also pray to God that all the healthcare workers everywhere get to work safely so we can keep helping people.”

The county’s salt domes were full, Curran said in a statement, and Department of Public Works trucks and crews were out and about.

The county’s Office of Emergency Management had also been closely monitoring the situation and was in constant contact with local municipalities, the Nassau County Police Department,  PSEG-LI, National Grid, Red Cross, NICE Bus, the Long Island Rail Road and others to coordinate efforts if necessary.

The Jones Beach vaccination center also closed Monday because of the storm.

For your hyperlocal forecast by zip code, see the National Weather Service here.

Power outages were expected. To report one, go to PSEGliny.com.