Town of Hempstead declares a state of emergency; keep vehicles off the road, officials say

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Long Island effective through noon on Sunday, and the forecast for the Five Towns now calls for eight to 12 inches of snow. The storm is expected to begin early Saturday morning.

Winds could generate gusts of up to 50 mph and power outages are possible. There also could be coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino declared a state of emergency that goes into effect at 11 p.m. on Friday.

The town will be cancelling all Parks Department and ANCHOR programs and registrations starting tomorrow, Saturday, Jan.23 through Sunday, Jan. 24.

Additionally, town Civil Service exams scheduled for Saturday are cancelled and will be rescheduled. A Monday, meeting of the Town Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC) has been cancelled. Further, Hempstead Town’s Department of Senior Enrichment programs and transportation will be cancelled for Monday, as well.

“The town’s snow team is ready to work to ensure that our roadways are safe and clear,” said Santino. “I am declaring a State of Emergency, requesting that all cars be removed from roadways, and I urge all motorists to limit travel to emergency situations.”

The town is requesting that homeowners remove cars from roadways so that town snow removal crews can effectively and efficiently salt and plow streets.

“We will be doing our part to keep neighbors safe and roads clear,” Santino said. “Residents can help by removing cars from roadways and by making sure that snow that is shoveled or blown from walkways and driveways remains on resident’s property. Under no circumstances should snow be placed onto public roadways."

The Hewlett-Woodmere School District cancelled all activities for Saturday.

"Woodsburgh is ready for the onslaught and our trucks are loaded and ready to go," said village Mayor Lee Israel, who plans on riding along with clean up crews on Saturday to "make sure everything is under control."

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said there is a about to be "blizzard-like conditions," but the county is ready with 100 plowers and spreaders and has 28,000 tons of salt and 3,600 tons of sand.

"We will prepare for the worst and hope for the best," Mangano said, adding that the county will brine its roads to hopefully avoid icing.

County officials said for non-life threatening situations such as downed trees or power lines call (800) 315-5153. For all life-threatening emergencies call 911.

The county has a warming center open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Grant Park at Broadway and Sheridan Avenue in Hewlett. The phone number is, (516) 571-7821.

Village of Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock said, officials have met to discuss preparation for the expected snowstorm, including speaking with the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County.

“We have an entire fleet of small, medium and large snowplows [eight in total] ready to go, to accommodate all our streets,” Weinstock said. “We are prepared, whether we receive two inches or two feet of snow. We have a large amount of salt and use it for presalting, if necessary. With 18 miles of road throughout the village, we have 180 tons of salt to use, but usually only use about 60 tons every year.”

Weinstock said that residents are being asked to park in their driveways. In the event that they can’t do that, then they should park on only one side of the street and keep the other side clear to make snow and ice removal easier. The village plans on plowing to the blacktop, he added.

The village uses snow blowers around Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park and in the business district. “We assist the small number of people in the village that are handicapped by clearing their sidewalks and entranceways so they may be assisted for their medical needs more efficiently and in case of an emergency,” he said.

Sanitary District 1 officials are reminding residents to clear pathways that lead to trash cans and recycling receptacles. “Keeping a snow-free path for your sanitation workers is extremely beneficial to collection operations,” James Vilardi, chairman of the sanitary district’s Board of Commissioners said. “Unclear paths can increase the amount of time and effort required to remove the unwanted waste for your home. It also creates the potential for real safety hazards for those removing it.”