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 amount as high as 18 inches of snow beginning Sunday between noon and 3 p.m.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul gave declared states of emergency starting Sunday morning.
On Saturday afternoon, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a press 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."
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 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."
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, arrage 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."
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 — determine 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.
“Get supplies, charge your phones, and stay off the roads when it’s worst,” Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman posted on X.
Local municipalities are also preparing for the potential storm, with officials in Rockville Centre saying the Department of Public Works will begin pretreating roads before snowfall and remain active throughout the storm, and spokesperson Julie Grilli adding the village is “fully prepared” to handle any conditions.
Rockville Centre residents are being asked to cooperate with several safety measures to allow plowing operations to proceed efficiently. The village also announced there will be no street parking during the storm, and vehicles left on roadways may interfere with snow removal.
Officials also require basketball hoops to be removed from the curb strip or laid flat and reminded residents not to shovel or blow snow into the street because it creates hazardous conditions and may result in citations.
Property owners are urged to clear sidewalks, crosswalk aprons and fire hydrants to ensure emergency access, and residents are strongly encouraged to stay home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
The village warned heavy snow and high winds could cause power outages from falling trees and limbs. Rockville Centre’s Electric Department will respond to outages 24 hours a day, and residents can report outages by emailing ElectricOutage@rvcny.us. Officials also advised residents to download the MYRVC mobile app for updates.
For the second time in less than a month, the "Piano Men: A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John" concert at the Rockville Centre Public Library has been postponed. No rescheduled date has been announced.
The weekend forecast: Saturday, mostly cloudy with a chance of a brief rain or snow shower. The high near 43 degrees with west winds 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday night: also mostly cloudy, with a few snow showers, a low temperature roughly 30 degrees. Wind chill values between 25 and 30 degrees. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Minor snow accumulation is possible.
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.
Sunday Night: Travel could be become hazardous with snow likely. The low temperature near 28 degree with wind gusts between 25 and 40 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.
Saladino concluded the press conference with some lighthearted advice for the coming snow day.
"Tomorrow, stay home. There will be a lot of Olympics going on," Saladino said of the Milan Cortina Games. "We're looking forward to the United States winning the gold medal in men's hockey. We hope you'll be staying at home, safe and warm, watching the game. Go U.S.A.!"
