A powerful winter storm brought blizzard-like conditions to Long Island Sunday into Monday, dumping more than a foot of snow across the region, with some areas nearing 18 inches or more, according to the National Weather Service.
A Blizzard Warning was in effect through 6 p.m. Monday, as strong winds and blowing snow created hazardous travel conditions. At John F. Kennedy International Airport, 15 inches of snow was recorded by 7 a.m. on Monday morning, while Levittown reported 15.5 inches shortly after 8 a.m.
The storm prompted widespread closures and service disruptions. East Meadow schools and the East Meadow Public Library were closed, while the Long Island Rail Road suspended service systemwide. NICE Bus service was also suspended beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday in accordance with Nassau County’s nonessential travel ban.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared states of emergency ahead of the storm, which began impacting the region Sunday.
Heavy snow and strong winds led to downed trees, branches and power lines, leaving more than 15,000 customers without electricity across Long Island and the Rockaways at the height of the storm. PSEG Long Island said it had restored power to more than 15,000 customers as of 10 a.m. Monday.
Local crews worked throughout the storm to keep roads passable. In Nassau County, 75 plows were deployed Saturday to pretreat roadways and began clearing snow once accumulation reached 3 inches, with Town of Hempstead crews carrying out similar operations.
Officials urged residents to stay off the roads and limit travel until conditions improved.
At home, East Meadow residents stayed inside and rode out the duration of the storm. Later, they took to their properties to clear paths, as children enjoyed yet another traditional snow day.
