As a potentially significant blizzard takes aim at Long Island tomorrow, preparations are underway across the North Fork as local residents, emergency workers and businesses brace for the storm.
The National Weather Service is calling for 10 to 18 inches of snow across Long Island tomorrow through Sunday morning, with slightly lesser amounts possible over the East End, where snow may mix with sleet and freezing rain at times.
But the East End will likely see larger wind gusts than the rest of the island – more than 55 miles per hour, with sustained winds of at least 30 to 40 miles per hour. Visibility could be reduced to less than a quarter of a mile at times, shutting down travel and making it especially difficult for town highway crews to keep up with drifting snow.
“Please, if you don’t have to go out, stay home,” Southold Highway Superintendent Vincent Orlando urged residents when SoutholdLOCAL spoke to him earlier this week.
With only 37 employees responsible for the town’s 410 miles of roadway, Orlando asked that the public not “make a tough job even tougher” by traveling and getting stuck in the snow.
His crew, supplemented by six more trucks and six men from the town’s department of public works, is not large enough to split into shifts. They will have to work around the clock to keep the roads clear, a job made even tougher when vehicles are stuck in the roadway.
“My guys know, when it’s time it’s time. They dig deep. They grab those energy drinks and coffees and just keep plowing,” Orlando said.
He also requested that residents park their vehicles off the street to allow clear passage for snow plows.
Town Supervisor Scott Russell seemed confident today that Orlando’s crews are ready for the storm. “Whatever comes this way, the town is prepared,” he said.
Eastern Long Island Hospital has also been busy preparing for this weekend’s storm, with extra staff who will stay the night if necessary and back-up generators to cover any essential services in the event of a power outage.
PSEG, Long Island’s electric utility, has also been making preparations in advance of the blizzard and will have additional personnel on hand, including contractors and tree crews.
“While snow and wind normally don’t pose a serious problem to the electric system, icing on lines and trees can increase the possibility of downed wires and power outages,” said PSEG vice president John O’Connell yesterday.
Customers experiencing a power outage can report it by calling 1-800-490-0075 or texting “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454). An online outage map also lists all current power outages and estimated restoration times on PSEG’s website.
If the lights do go out, residents should be prepared beforehand with flashlights and extra batteries. Houses can quickly become very cold in the event of a power outage, so residents should also stock up on blankets, warm clothing and winter gear for every member of the family. Young children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to hypothermia, so it’s important for these age groups to dress in several layers of warm clothing in the event of a power outage.
Residents should avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Many events and activities this weekend have been postponed or canceled, and several businesses are planning to close tomorrow (see full list).
Here’s a few more ways you can make sure you’re prepared for the blizzard:
- Make sure you have enough food, water and medicine in case you are snowed in.
- Charge all of your electronic devices.
- Keep your pets indoors.
- Avoid travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, drive slowly.
- Prepare an emergency kit, including a battery powered radio, a first-aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, matches and candles with holders, extra blankets and sleeping bags.
- Contact friends and family to share these tips and set up an emergency plan.
Check back for SoutholdLOCAL storm coverage and photos.
