Blizzard bears down on E. Meadow

The first blizzard of 2016 pummeled East Meadow throughout Saturday morning and afternoon. 

Snow began to fall across Nassau County late Friday evening, and according to the National Weather Service, it won’t be stopping anytime soon. Between 10 and 16 inches of snow are expected to accumulate throughout the day, and forecasts suggest that an additional 2 to 4 inches will fall Saturday evening before 1 a.m.

In a special statement, National Weather Service representatives explained that an intense snow band has developed over the northeastern United States, with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour being observed. East Meadowite John Katalo said about 8 inches of snow fell on Maitland Street by 10 a.m., and Durham Road resident Rhonda Levy said 10 inches have fallen on her block.

“My kid can’t see out of her window…the snow covered it,” she said. “They plowed three times already…just came again in less than two hours.”

Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino said he has been traveling roadways throughout the township, overseeing snow removal operations along local streets. Santino declared a state of emergency on Friday.

“The Hempstead Town snow team has been out in force, deploying salt spreaders prior to the first sign of snow, following up with the activation of snow plows along town roadways,” he said. “At the same time, we request that neighbors remove cars from local roadways so that snow removal crews can effectively clear roads for the safety of residents.”

Santino added that Hempstead Town snowplows can do a more effective job of clearing streets curb-to-curb when cars are not restricting full-street access. Further, the supervisor has advised neighbors who are clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways to place snow on their property. Under no circumstances should snow be shoveled or blown from private property onto local roadways, he said.