Baldwin schools closed Monday as a result of the powerful winter storm over the weekend. All school activities and events scheduled for Monday were also canceled.
Snow fell throughout the day Sunday, with blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions at times. Snow mixed with sleet late Sunday afternoon before transitioning to light freezing rain overnight, which complicated the cleanup effort with accumulating ice.
Amid the storm, which brought high winds as well, Both Nassau and Suffolk counties were under a state of emergency, and officials urged Baldwin residents to avoid unnecessary travel. “Stay home on Sunday if you can,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a news release. “We’re talking about significant snow. We’re talking about whiteouts. We’re talking about freezing weather and wind. If you don’t absolutely have to go out on Sunday, please stay home.”
Many local businesses closed up shop — but the Irish Pub, on Merrick Road remained open.
“Irish Pub was open for a snow day party,” Samantha Cools, girlfriend of the pub’s owner, said on a Facebook post. “Owner, Shawn Sabel, came in so his staff could stay home and be safe!”
Baldwin residents took their children to Silver Lake for sledding on Sunday while many others enjoyed the snowy day at home.
Members of the Baldwin Fire Department reported that they were at the fire house and “standing by to respond to any emergencies” on Sunday, according to firefighter Sara Sanchez Amoros, in a comment on a Herald Facebook post.
Resident, Daniel Neuburger, shared a story on a local Facebook group, giving the Fire Department and first responders a shout-out.
“Sunday, after I noticed something that initially looked like snow blowing around or steam coming off of my neighbors garage, I took a second look,” Neuburger posted. In fact, it turned out to be smoke coming from [the neighbors] garage, and Neuburger called 911. Within a few minutes, he reported, the structure was engulfed in flames and smoke.
“Seconds later the Fire Department plow truck led the way for the other fire trucks onto the scene. A large force of Fire Department [personnel] jumped into action and quickly brought the [fire] under control.”
District Supervisor Jerry Brown, of the Fire Department, reported to the Herald that there were no injuries, and that the BFD had been assisted by other local departments.
The National Weather Service warned that road conditions in and around Baldwin would be hazardous on Sunday, particularly on bridges and overpasses, with visibility potentially dropping below a quarter-mile due to the falling and blowing snow. Motorists were advised to carry emergency supplies, and to monitor local transportation updates.
