Thursday, October 1, 2026
With the possibility of at least 8 to 12 inches of snow falling across Long Island, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning. Snow began falling in Nassau County at roughly 5:30 a.m.
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti says the town is fully mobilized to keep roads clear and residents safe — including in Wantagh and Seaford, which are expected to be among the hardest hit.
Ferretti said the town’s highway crews are “experienced, prepared, and ready to respond,” and urged residents to stay off the roads if possible to allow plow operators space to work safely and efficiently.
Snowfall is expected to begin early Sunday and continue into Monday, according to the National Weather Service, which forecasts between 6 and 15 inches of snow for the Nassau County region — with even higher totals possible inland, depending on the storm’s track.
Communities like Wantagh and Seaford may see a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain, making for slick and icy roads. Winds and blowing snow are also expected to reduce visibility throughout the storm, and freezing temperatures may linger both before and after, raising the risk of dangerous ice.
The town is responsible for clearing more than 1,200 miles of roadway and dozens of commuter and municipal parking lots. Crews have been prepping plow trucks, loaders, and salt spreaders, and are staging equipment at strategic locations across the township. Officials said salt and fuel supplies are fully stocked, and backup vehicles and replacement parts are on hand to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Drainage areas and known flooding trouble spots have been inspected and cleared ahead of the storm, and weather forecasts are being monitored around the clock. The town has also organized shift rotations to prevent operator fatigue and maintain 24-hour coverage throughout the storm.
Residents are urged to move parked cars off the street during snow removal operations and to report unplowed streets by visiting hempsteadtown.com/storm. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has also declared a state of emergency.
"We are preparing for the worst," Blakeman said on Friday, noting that the county warming center at 1200 Old Country Road in Westbury will be stocked with blankets, ready meals and other necessities. The center will be open "until we determine the cold is gone," he added. It is open today and is monitored 24/7.
Gov. Kathu Hochul declared a state of emergency on Friday. The snow is forecasted to be heavy through Monday afternoon.
“Stay home on Sunday if you can,” Blakeman said in a news release. “We're talking about significant snow. We're talking about whiteouts. We're talking about freezing weather and wind. If you don't absolutely have to go out on Sunday, please stay home."
The Long Island Rail Road will run on a modified Sunday schedule, officials said. There will be half-hourly service on the Babylon Branch. There will be no service between Ronkonkoma and Greenport, hourly service on the Port Washington Branch and between New York City and Huntington on the Port Jefferson Branch.
On Monday, the LIRR will operate a regular Sunday schedule.
Crews will be out across the service territory working to keep trains moving with equipment on hand to be able to respond quickly as conditions warrant. Workers will also proactively de-ice station walkways and platforms.
De-icing trains will be running to keep third rails clear of snow and ice, while crews are strategically positioned throughout the system helping to keep switches clear and operable. In addition, switch heaters will be activated to prevent track switches from freezing using natural gas burners and electrical heating elements.
Blakeman has issued a statement regarding travelers stranded abroad, saying some “are being taken advantage of with price gouging and a lack of accommodations for families who are unable to return home from foreign countries. I am alerting our federal officials and asking that foreign governments are warned to protect our citizens until it is possible for them to return home."
