Cops: High winds and snow ‘have wreaked havoc’ on area roadways

Riverhead Police are warning residents to stay off the roads due to major snow drifting and black ice conditions.

Portions of Sound Avenue in Riverhead and State Route 25 were closed due to numerous accidents and stranded vehicles. A multi-car, chain-reaction pileup shut down Main Road between Manor and Herricks lanes late this morning. Reeves Avenue and Hulse Landing Road were closed, police said.

State Route 25 was also closed this morning between East Marion and Orient.

“High winds and the accumulated light snow have wreaked havoc with our roads,” Riverhead Police said in a news release issued at 12:15 p.m. The National Weather Service has extended the high wind advisory to 6 p.m.

“Do not plan on traveling or spending a lot of time outdoors today. If you must leave your business or residence, protect exposed areas of skin, use extreme caution and reduce your speed,” police said. “Make sure to carry a cellphone with you and if you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call for help.”

Dangerously low wind chill values exist, police said.  A wind chill advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. this evening until 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Police ask residents to avoid travel on the following roads: Reeves Avenue, Hulse Landing Road (between Rt. 25A and Sound Avenue), Sound Avenue (east of Roanoke Avenue and east of Northville Turnpike), Northville Turnpike (northeast of Doctors Path), State Route 25 in Jamesport (east of Herricks Lane), Peconic Bay Boulevard (east of Tuts Lane). Conditions on the listed roads are hazardous and can become impassable due to drifting and whiteout conditions, police said.

“Travel is not recommended and should be avoided to allow town ,county and state highway crews to clear the roadways as the winds subside,” police said. “Main roads should be utilized only if travel is necessary.”