Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Northeast was blasted with a winter storm on Sunday that left an average of over 15 inches of snow across Nassau County's North Shore according to the National Weather Service.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul declared states of emergency starting Sunday morning.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to clear snow from vehicles parked in driveways to help maintain safety and accessibility.
Village sanitation collection on Monday has been cancelled and will be following the holiday schedule.
Schools in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich, Locust Valley and North school districts are closed on Monday. Friends Academy, Portledge School, and St. Dominic's High School are also closed.
On Saturday afternoon, 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 Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, and Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, as well as representatives from the Nassau County Department of Public Works and the Office of Emergency Management.
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino further emphasized another way residents of every community can do their part to help the clean-up crews.
"Park in your driveway. If you don't have room in your driveway, today, before the snow comes, arrange with a neighbor to park in their driveway," Saladino suggested. "It is such a critical piece of our snow cleaning operation. If we get those cars off the street, even more than in past storms, it will make a big, big difference."
Town Supervisor 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 neighborhoods.
“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."
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.
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 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.
