Another snowstorm threatened Long Island — the second major storm in less than a month — this time with a forecast of up to nine inches of total accumulation. The National Weather Service officially announced a winter storm warning on the morning of Dec. 26, as six to nine inches was expected to cover the state. Ultimately, roughly four inches fell across our area.
As a waterfront community, it’s standard issue for Long Beach to catch the brunt of any major precipitation, and snow is no different. The city prepared with nearly 800 tons of salt and more than 40 pieces of equipment to keep roadways as clear and safe as possible.
Snow was expected to begin falling on Dec. 26 around 4 p.m. with the storm continuing through Dec. 26 around 1 p.m. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated by 8 p.m. later that night.
Frigid temperatures didn't help the situation, as crews were ready to work through the night, despite temps ranging from the 20s to 34 degrees, dipping into the teens at night.
As of 1:30 p.m. Dec. 26, local crews were already out pre-salting roads before the first flakes touch down. Plows were ready to be dispatched to maintain clear roadways once two inches reached the ground.
With significant snowfall expected, city officials encouraged people to park their vehicles in the Long Island Rail Road Long Beach station's parking garage and parking lot — free of charge from Dec. 26 until the morning of Dec. 29. This would allow snow crews to operate with maximum effectiveness and help to maintain safety for residents and workers.
If an official snow emergency were to be declared by the city, residents remain aware of snow emergency routes:
West Beech Street between New York Ave and Nevada Street.
West Park Avenue between Beech Street and Park Avenue.
West side of Maryland Avenue between Beech Street and Park Avenue
Shore Road between Long Beach Road and Pacific Blvd.
East Pine Street between Neptune Blvd and Curly Street
Park Place north of Park Avenue.
Parking is strictly prohibited along snow emergency routes once a snow emergency has been declared.
“Stay safe and stay home unless there is an emergency. If you must go out, drive carefully, slow down, and stay alert,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a news release "Nassau County is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents during extreme weather conditions.”
The county's Office of Emergency Management is fully staffed and prepared to handle the snowfall. Over 70 plows and 100 pieces of equipment will be operating to keep Nassau roads and highways clear.
Residents are encouraged to check on their neighbors and family members once conditions become safer. They can also assist local response efforts by shoveling near and around fire hydrants and moving cars into driveways so snowplows can clear streets.
In the event of a power outage or downed power lines, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour electric service number at (800) 490-0075. To allow emergency personnel to be most effective, do not tie up emergency phone lines with non-emergency calls.
“PSEG Long Island is prepared to respond to any outages this holiday storm system may bring,” said Michael Sullivan, vice president of Electric Operations in a news release. “We continue to monitor the weather 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.”
Customers are asked to note the important storm safety tips below and to visit psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety for additional storm preparation information.
Customer Safety:
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To keep safe during the storm, when going outside be careful when walking on slippery sidewalks and while driving.
Be aware of frostbite and hypothermia.
Bring pets and service animals inside.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Don’t use your stove or oven to heat your home.
Never leave a space heater unattended.
Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
