Thursday, October 1, 2026
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Long Island from 1 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday as the weekend forecast calls for a possible nor’easter with an amount as high as 18 inches of snow beginning Sunday between noon and 3 p.m.
The Villages of Atlantic Beach, Cedarhurst and Lawrence sent out a Winter Storm Alert for Sunday and Monday. This means there will be no street parking and any items on the curb line should be moved. Residents are asked to avoid travel and keep the roads clear.
"I strongly urge all residents to remain indoors, relocate vehicles to appropriate locations, and take all necessary precautions to stay safe," Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock wrote in an email. "Our priority is the safety of our residents."
The Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence school districts have both announced closures for Monday.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul have declared states of emergency starting Sunday morning.
On Saturday afternoon, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a news conference at Nickerson Beach in Lido Beach, announcing the county's preparedness plan that will go into action early Sunday morning.“We’ll have about 75 trucks on the road, first salting and preparing the roads and highways," Blakeman said. "When the accumulation reaches approximately three inches, they will be out plowing for the duration.”
Blakeman was joined by Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, as well as representatives from the Nassau County Department of Public Works and the Office of Emergency Management.
DeSena said how people can help make the dangerous weather safer for those serving the community. "We know our first responders — our police, our volunteer fire service, our volunteer EMS — they will be out there on the roads" DeSena explained. "So every car that is not on the roads will make them safer. So stay home, please."
Ferretti echoed the advice to remove cars from the roadway as best as possible, to facilitate curb to curb plowing. Ferretti also offered an overlooked but critically important reminder for neigborborhoods. "If there are fire hydrants in front of your home, please clear them out," Ferretti pointed out. "So our first responders, in case of an emergency, have access to them."
A blizzard is defined as a severe winter storm lasting at least three hours, characterized by sustained winds or frequent gusts over 35 mph and considerable falling/blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than a 1/4 mile. The coming storm has winds expected to gust up to 45 to 55 mph in some areas.
Wind and visibility, not total snow accumulation determines if the storm is a blizzard, which can cause whiteout conditions and significant drifting.
"Visibility will be very difficult in the afternoon because of the wind and the snow," Blakeman explained. "You will not be able to see very far. Do not go out in your car unless it's absolutely necessary."
There is also a coastal flood watch in effect for the South Shore of Nassau and Suffolk counties. With major coastal flooding expected Sunday night into Monday.
Sunday: Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. The storm starting early to mid-afternoon. Could begin as a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet or snow. High around 37 degrees. East wind 15 to 30 mph.
Monday: Morning snow, the high around 36 degrees. Wind blown and drifting snow could cause dangerous travel conditions.
Blakeman announced the opening of two temporary warming centers. A women-only center will be opened at 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd in Uniondale — the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex. Men and families can shelter at 1200 Old Country Road in Westbury — formerly the Nassau County Family Court building.
High winds could bring down power lines. PSEG Long Island encourages customers to take the time now to prepare (psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety) ahead of a weather event – including knowing how to report an outageand how to stay safe and connected to PSEG Long Island during winter weather.
Blakeman reiterated the likleihood of downed power lines, saying that the expectation is for "wet snow," which accumulates heavier and is more likely to break tree limbs, especially combined with the expected winds, which can result in downed power lines.
“PSEG Long Island is the most reliable overhead electric service provider in New York State, and we are prepared to respond to any outages the storm may bring,” said Michael Sullivan, vice president of Electric Operations at PSEG Long Island said in a news release. “We continue to monitor this weather system and have performed system and logistic checks to ensure any customers who may be affected will have their power restored safely and as quickly as possible.”
Blakeman suggested calling PSEG directly to report any power outages: (800) 490-0075. Dialing 911 should be reserved for emergencies, medical or otherwise. Residents are advised not to call 911 to report a basic power outage — but the emergency number can be used to report downed power lines.
