Snow storm causes school closings, LIRR delays

Due to inclement weather conditions caused by Wednesday's snow storm, which dropped more than 16 inches of snow on in some areas of Long Island, all schools in the Elmont Union Free, Franklin Square Union Free and Sewanhaka Central High school districts have been closed today.

Additionally, all afternoon, after-school and extra-curricular activities in the school districts have been canceled.

The Long Island Rail Road suspended services Wednesday night, canceled nearly 30 trains for Thursday morning's westbound commute and suspended Able-Ride service, except for trips of medical necessity. Some Long Island Bus services were also cut.

Susie Trenkle-Pokalsky, press secretary for the Town of Hempstead, said the town prepared in advance for the storm. Trucks began salting at 7 a.m. Wednesday, and more than 200 pieces of equipment were put on the roads, she said.

Trenkle-Pokalsky also said the town isn’t too concerned about it’s snow budget for the year.

“This is obviously only the second storm on this budget, so we are still looking good,” she said. However, “it’s difficult to say how much the storm will impact the budget because we have no idea of how long it will last or how much snow there will be,” she said. “Our primary concern is the clean-up and then we worry about the budget afterward. We are in good financial shape, and we do have reserves that we can go into at any point if we have to.”

She added that the town has budgeted nearly $2.5 million for snow-related events for fiscal year 2011, which began on Jan. 1, and has spent nearly $1.35 million so far.

Town Supervisor Kate Murray said the town will be continuing its snow-related duties throughout Thursday. Murray has requested that residents remove cars from local roadways, pursuant to Chapter 174 of the Town of Hempstead Code.

"In storms with significant snowfall and limited visibility, it is particularly important that cars are not parked on the roads," she said. "Snow plows can perform more effectively and efficiently

when cars are not on the roads."

Murray also said residents should limit use of motor vehicles to necessary travel. "Roadways can be slippery and heavy snowfall can limit visibility," Murray said. "By minimizing vehicular traffic, roads can be cleared more quickly and residents can

minimize the risks associated with driving in storm conditions."

Additionally, Murray advised that residents who shovel driveways should place snow to the right of their driveway when facing the road. By doing so, residents can reduce the effect of having their driveways being "plowed-in" with snow after shoveling.