E. Meadow braces for blizzard

East Meadow leaders and community members are preparing for what many meteorologists are predicting to be a major blizzard.

The storm is projected to hit the area late Friday night into early Saturday morning. Initial estimates from the National Weather Service are calling for six to 12 inches of snow to fall.

East Meadowites rely on the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County to plow the main roads throughout the neighborhood. Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said that while there will bee "blizzard-like conditions," 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.

The Town of Hempstead is preparing for the storm as well. Supervisor Anthony Santino has ordered almost 400 pieces of equipment to be made ready for action at the first sign of snow.

At the same time, he said, residents should do their part by removing cars from town roads at the start of the storm, and avoid shoveling or blowing snow into roadways, which is illegal and can create hazardous conditions. He also asked residents to limit driving once the snow begins, and to stock up on groceries, flashlights, batteries, medical supplies and “ice melt” in advance of the storm. Santino also recommended fueling all vehicles, locating shovels and having scrapers handy to deal with the effects of the storm.

“Town officials are hard at work in advance of the expected snowfall to prevent the winter weather from creating hazardous road conditions,” said town spokesman Mike Deery. “As the snowflakes fall and blanket our landscape, Hempstead Town will continue to work to ensure that roads are safe and easily navigated.”

Nassau University Medical Center, on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, announced on Thursday that the staff was moving into "high-gear" in anticipation of the blizzard. NUMC is activating an Emergency Services Center consisting of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who will be on hand all weekend to assist those in need during the storm.

Hospital leaders have scheduled additional security personnel to transport critical employees to work, should the need arise. Emergency generators have been tested, and supplies are being checked to make sure patients and staff will have sufficient food.

NUMC’s ambulances and other life-saving equipment are prepared for any emergency, officials said. Snow-removal trucks are standing by to ensure hospital roads are clear, and the facility is being secured for high winds and heavy amounts of snow.