Supermarkets were packed today with meat shelves empty as shoppers flocked to fill their carts before a massive storm Monday that the National Weather Service said could be “crippling” and bring with it historic accumulations of snow.
The National Weather Service in New York issued a blizzard warning in effect from 1 p.m. Monday to midnight Tuesday night — with accumulation of up to 30 inches expected, and locally higher amounts possible.
Light snow will begin Monday morning, with accumulations of 1 to 3 inches possible by the evening rush. Snow will pick up in intensity Monday evening, with the heaviest snow and strongest winds from about midnight Monday into Tuesday afternoon, according to the NWS.
Heavy and blowing snow will reduce visibility and cause blizzard conditions. Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour are expected for late Monday night into Tuesday morning. Winds will be blowing north at 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts from 55 to 65 miles per hour, with Eastern Long Island receiving the strongest winds.
Visibility is expected to be a quarter mile or less, with temperatures in the low 20s. Travel will be extremely dangerous due to snowfall and strong winds with whiteout conditions.
Southold Town HIghway Superintendent Vincent Orlando said with such a massive storm on the way, preparations have been amped up a notch higher than they would be for a typical snowfall.
“We’re preparing differently than with any other snowstorm. Because of the volume that they’re predicting for us, the transfer station, the highway department, the department of public works, and all town departments are pooling their assets. “Even though we’re single and separate, we all come together for an extreme weather event. We become one team and use all the town’s assets.”
The transfer station, for example, has large pay loaders that will be used to help tackle the snow.
Orlando said the town’s salt barn is full to capacity and trucks are fueled up and full. “We’re hoping we can weather the storm until we can get re-supplied,” he said.
On Monday, crews will already be at work when the first snow is expected to fall, Orlando said. Depending on how quickly the snow will begin to fall, Orlando said the decision will be made on whether to sand or plow first.
Orlando asked residents to be patient. “We’ll address all the issues once we get roads and infrastructure open,” he said.
Residents are also asked to park off the road, and to also move basketball hoops and other items off the road to allow crews to work.
“This is a large amount of snow,” Orlando said, adding that some road endings might see higher than normal snow piles. “Be patient. We have to put it someplace. The snow has to go somewhere.”
Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell sent out a message to residents Sunday night: “We are anticipating a substantial storm to move into the area by Monday, with light snow during the day getting heavier during the evening hours and overnight. Winds gusts reaching 65 miles per hour, wind chills in the single digits and drifting snow will make conditions hazardous,” he said.
Southold Town’s emergency response team, he said, would like to remind all residents that preparations should be made early prior to the storm.
“You should stock up on supplies prior to the storm and prepare for power outages. Some items that should be kept on hand are bottled water and non-perishable food items, flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a battery operated radio and extra blankets and sleeping bags. People should remember to charge all cell phones and mobile devices and all home generators should be checked,” he said.
In addition, Russell said, “Driving should be kept to a minimum and only for necessary travel. All cars should be parked off the road so that the police, fire departments and Southold’s highway department crews can perform their respective duties.”
The supervisor said he would be in regular contact with shelter volunteers and are ready to open shelters on a moment’s notice if need be.
Residents are asked to monitor local radio stations, news sites, and the Southold Town website for additional instructions, information and announcements as the storm develops.
Important numbers include Southold Town Emergency number: 911,
Southold Town Emergency Operations Center: 631-765-2784,
Southold Town Non-Emergency: 631-765-2600
Southold Town Highway Department: 631-765-3140
Southold Human Resource Center : 631-298-4460
PSE&G: 800-490-0075
National Grid: 800-490-0045
“This extreme weather event will create difficulties and inconvenience for all of our residents. For the safety of all of our residents we ask that you be prepared and follow all requests and of the suggested actions listed above so that we can address all issues as they arise,” Russell said.
Southold Town Police Chie Martin Flatley said Saturday’s snow resulted in only one accident, a vehicle that lost control on slippery pavement and ended up in the median of County Route 48 in Cutchogue Saturday night at about 8:20 p.m. “There was no damage to the car or injuries to its occupants,” he said.
Looking ahead to Monday, Flatley said, “Obviously, with the forecast for the next two days including significant snow and blizzard-like conditions, we always encourage all residents to stay at home and off of the roads as they may become impassable during this storm. Motorists that venture out into these conditions only endanger themselves and make it more difficult for emergency vehicles and clean-up crews to conduct necessary business.”
In Greenport, village officials have cancelled Monday night’s scheduled village board meeting and moved that meeting until Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
During the storm, village officials have asked residents to remove cars from the road, to facilitate plowing and help keep crews and residents safe. Residents are asked to maintain their sidewalks, and to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with special needs.
“Most importantly, do not drive on the road unless absolutely necessary,” village officials said.
Greenport residents are asked to call 631-477-0172 for utilities emergencies. For all other emergencies, they are asked to call Southold Town Police Department at 631-765-2600, or dial 911. For a special needs emergency, resident should contact the Village of Greenport at 631-477-0248, x 215.
“Once again, we encourage you to use the resources the village has developed for village residents in keeping you and your family safe,” village officials said.
