As parts of Long Island are covered in snow reaching up to 12 inches, 10 inches of snow are reported in Hempstead. The Uniondale school district and Uniondale Public Library canceled all activities and classes on Monday.
Residents in Uniondale have been reaching out to their local legislators Monday morning as they were concerned about whether their streets would be plowed and re-salted before heading out to start their day.
Pearl Jacobs, Uniondale resident and president of Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, called the Town of Hempstead on Monday to plow the dead end streets on Decatur Street. However, she waited half a day for the town to come.
According to Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks , several residents reached out with questions about the timeline of when things would be cleared. She advised residents to "be patient."
Nicks described the storm as one of the largest the area has seen in nearly a decade urging residents to have patience. She thanked county workers, police and first responders for working through hazardous conditions.
"I believe that the county is working hard to make sure that we're cleaning our areas as best as possible. And really, just want to thank all of the county workers that are out there doing their jobs," she said.
As residents are shoveling, snow is piling near fire hydrants, causing hazards. Chris Stafford, Fire Prevention Officer for the Uniondale Fire Deparment found himself educaing others on clearing snow from fire hydrants.
"It can cost a life," he said.
Fire fighters would need to shovel and attempt to melt the hard snow. Stafford put together winter safety reminder tips to clear from hydrants.
He suggests, to clear three feet around the hydrant, shovel a path from the street to the hydrant, keep the caps and outlets fully visable and don't pile snow on top or in front of hydrants.
On Sunday,, Nicks was at the Uniondale Fire Department, where she was on standby as a volunteer firefighter. She advised residents to remain indoors unless travel was necessary.
Fire fighters were on standby at approximately 8 a.m. Sunday Morning preparing for possible emergencies. According to Anthtony Lebron the districts fire commissioner.
"A fire is always possible," he said on Sunday. "Especially when it comes to space heaters where residents are trying to stay warm."
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning which began at 3 a.m. Sunday.
Due to the dangerous road conditions on Sunday, all NICE Bus service was suspended at 3 p.m. Monday morning officials reported bus routes resumed at a limited basis, running hourly causing major delays in commuter travel.
"We are preparing for the worst," Nassau County Executive Bruce 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. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Friday.
Precipitation could mix with sleet and freezing rain for a time Sunday night especially closer to the coast.
"Salting becomess less effective when we hit 20 degrees," said Joe Sparacio, commissioner of the county's Office of Emergency Management.
On Monday, 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.
Trains from Grand Centrel to Massapequa are not running.
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 run 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.
PSEG Long Island officials said the power utility is prepared to respond safely to potential power outages.
While powdery snow associated with extreme cold typically does not damage electrical equipment, the utility said hazardous driving conditions, icy roads and reduced visibility could lead to vehicle collisions with utility poles.
Crews and resources were in place to respond as quickly and safely as possible. Michael Sullivan, vice president of electric operations, said the company continues to monitor the storm and has completed system and logistics checks to support timely restoration efforts.
PSEG advises people to stay away from downed wires, which should always be considered live, avoid standing water or slush, and never use generators or gasoline-powered equipment indoors or near windows or vents.
Outages can be reported through the PSEG Long Island mobile app, by texting OUT to 773454, online at psegliny.com/outages, or by calling the 24-hour electric service number at 800-490-0075.
