Wantagh, Seaford bracing for first snowstorm

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch for Long Island effective through 1 p.m. on Sunday, as the first major snowstorm of the seasons approaches.

Because of the timing of the storm, schools and garbage pickup would likely not be affected.

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said there is a good chance of "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.

Jim Bloomfield, chief of the Wantagh Fire Department, said that leaders of the department would be meeting Thursday night to plan for the storm. That could include staffing the firehouses during the storm, so volunteers are ready to respond in the event of an emergency. “You look at the these weather reports and it keeps changing hour by hour," he said.

Bloomfield reminds residents to clear the snow from any fire hydrants in front of their homes, to clear their walkways and remove cars from the streets so emergency vehicles can get through.

The Seaford Historical Society's Paint Night, with master artist Cliff Miller, is still scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Seaford Historical Museum.

Once the snow has fallen, head on down to Cedar Creek Park on Merrick Road at the Wantagh/Seaford border to do some sledding on any one of three hills. This is a popular destination after even just a couple of inches of snow. "This is the place to be," said Wantagh High School student Patrick Harrington.

The Wantagh Senior Center at 1150 Seaman's Neck Road will remain open as a warming center for all Town of Hempstead residents through Friday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

“Freezing temperatures can be dangerous for everyone, especially seniors, who may have a hard time regulating their body temperature and staying warm," Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony Santino said. “I invite neighbors who don’t have enough heat to seek shelter at one of the town’s warming centers."