As snow begins to fall steadily across the North Fork, the race is on as residents head to supermarkets and hardware stores to stock up before the “massive” storm slams the region.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency across the region, beginning immediately at noon. Cuomo said a travel ban across all main roads at 11 p.m. is being considered, and will be decided after 4 p.m. today.
According to John Murray, meteorololgist with the National Weather Service, snow will become increasingly heavy into the evening, with the heaviest of snow beginning to fall at 7 p.m. through tomorrow morning.
Snowfall accumulations are expected to reach between 18 and 24 inches, with higher amounts possible with any banding that forms during the storm.
“The later it gets in the afternoon, the more dangerous it will be to travel,” Murray said. Snow is expected to fall at a rate of two to four inches per hour. “That’s a lot of snow. Winds will begin to ramp up as the evening progresses, with gusting between 45 to 55 miles per hour.” Visibility is expected to be below a quarter mile.
Cuomo said plow operators are coming from around the state to help, with the National Guard also stationed on Long Island.
All North Fork districts have announced early closures. Local businesses, including Tanger Outlets, have also begun announcing early closings today and closings tomorrow.
Check SoutholdLOCAL’s updated list of closings and cancellations.
Southold police and emergency responders are gearing up for the storm. Town Highway Superintendent Vincent Orlando said all town departments are coming together with resources. He urged residents to be patient as crews clean up an unprecedented snowfall.
Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the town has not yet opened any shelters but staff is ready to open on a moment’s notice.
“We are concerned over tree branches and electric lines. The snow mixed with gusting wind will make conditions very dangerous. People should remember to stay clear of all downed power lines. You need to assume its carrying power and should remember that electric can arc up to seven feet from a live wire. People should stand clear and call the emergency numbers listed (below). We would also like to remind people again to park off street so first responders, including highway personnel can do their jobs.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone briefed residents during a press conference at Suffolk County Department of Public Works highway yard in Commack this morning.
Residents should be prepared for road closures later today, including the potential closure of the L.I. Expressway, Bellone said. Suffolk County bus service will be suspended as of 6 p.m., he said.
Bellone said residents should “shelter in place” and stay off local roads as the storm, named Juno, hits the region. “We are urging residents to get home early, if they can, and stay home,” he said, adding that residents should stay in touch with neighbors and the elderly.
Bellone also urged residents to sign up for Suffolk County safety programs by going to scny.gov and signing up for smart 911, as well as Suffolk County code red emergency notifications.
The county executive also urged residents to remove their cars from roads. “Plow operators will be out in the worst conditions,” he said. “They have a tough, tough job. This is going to be a long one”, a storm, he said, of “historic and unprecedented proportions.”
Suffolk County health centers are closing at noon today, Bellone said, and will remain closed until noon on Wednesday.
Eastern Long Island Hospital’s emergency operations center will open at 1 p.m. today, said Eileen Solomon, spokesperson for ELIH. The hospital will remain open, with a generator, she said, but will not open as a shelter. “We’re taking precautions for flooding, and doing additional plowing,” she said.
Meanwhile, shoppers continued to fill their carts at supermarkets. At Ace Hardware in Southold, Mike LeStrange, owner, said today was “quite busy” with customers asking for shovels and ice melt. While he was stocked with both this morning after a fresh delivery LeStrange said he predicted by afternoon, he’d be “out again”.
Laurie Dickerson stocked up at IGA in Southold. “I’m all ready for the big storm,” she said, adding that she’d bought rock salt, hamburger, hot dogs, and will “make baked ziti for supper. I’ve got all kinds of goodies.” Asked how she felt about the coming storm, she said, “I don’t like it.”
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
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl.
