Village faces heavy snowstorm

Long Islanders experienced over eight inches of snowfall today, prompting Freeport Public Schools to close and measures to be taken by the village to mitigate the effects of the inclement weather.

“People have been accustomed to a fairly mild winter, so take all the necessary precautions," Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, had said the day before the storm. "Stay tuned to your news. If you can work remotely, that's great. Make sure that our roads are clear for the plows as always.”

““Even though we’re coming out of a few days of record high temperatures, this storm is a stark reminder that winter is still alive and well,” Hochul continued in a news release.

“I encourage residents to stay off the roads as conditions are expected to be hazardous throughout the storm," fifth district Councilman Chris Carini told the Herald

For southern Nassau County, including Freeport, a Coastal Flood Warning was in effect from 8 a.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m.

To report an electrical outage, call PSEG Long Island at (800) 490-0075.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving in winter weather include:

•Do not drive unless necessary

•If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag

•If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location

•Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions

•Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it’s operating

-Additional reporting by Jordan Vallone and Ben Fiebert