Snowfall closes schools and impacts travel in Wantagh and Seaford

Over eight inches of heavy snowfall blanketed parts of Long Island on Feb. 13, prompting school districts like Wantagh and Seaford to close in anticipation.

For southern Nassau County, a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Tuesday. Two to two and a half feet of flooding is possible in vulnerable areas near the shoreline.

Gov. Kathy Hochul told Long Islanders to expect heavy, wet snow.

“Even though we’re coming out of a few days of record high temperatures, this storm is a stark reminder that winter is still alive and well,” Hochul said in a news release. “This storm will bring plenty of hazards with it from heavy snow piling up fast to wind, which will bring low visibility and some power outages. Please heed warnings from your local media outlets, as my team will continue to monitor the storm until it’s long gone.”

"I encourage residents to stay off the roads as conditions are expexted to be hazardous throughout the storm," Councilman Chris Carini told the Herald. "We are expecting snow falls between 4-8 inches and wind gusts up to 35 mph. Driving will be hazardous so I urge residents to stay off the roads."

Carini said cars should be parked in driveays and off main roads so crews can plow. 

"Hempstead Town's dedicated workforce is prepared to help American's largest township during the storm," he said. "They will be out in force to make sure our 1,200 miles of roads are clear. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of our workers." 

To report an electrical outage, call PSEG Long Island at (800) 490-0075.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving in winter weather include:

• Do not drive unless necessary
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location
• Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it’s operating

Additional reporting by Charles Shaw