As a potentially significant blizzard takes aim at Long Island tomorrow, preparations are underway across Riverhead 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.
“Stay off the roads,” Town Highway Superintendent Gio Woodson warned residents today.
Woodson’s crews have been busy all week preparing for the storm, readying the town’s snow-plowing equipment for the first snowfall of the season. With only 30 employees responsible for more than 415 lane miles of roadway, highway crews will be plowing “around the clock” both during and after the storm until the roads are clear.
“We do everything we can,” Woodson said. “People just need to be patient.”
Supervisor Sean Walter said he expects Riverhead Town will declare a snow emergency, which requires residents to park their vehicles off the roadways to allow for clear passage of snow plows. Parked vehicles in the roadway may be towed by Riverhead Police.
Walter also urged residents to stay off the roads during the storm. “Do not plan to leave your home tomorrow or Sunday morning,” he said. “If you absolutely must leave your home, use extreme caution and reduce your speed.”
Peconic Bay Medical Center has activated its emergency operations plan. The hospital has adequate supplies and food for the storm, staffing across all departments and three back-up generators to cover any essential services in the event of a power outage.
Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps will have additional crews standing by at headquarters to respond to calls during the storm, according to Assistant Chief Rod Richardson.
PSEG, Long Island’s electric utility, has also been making preparations in advance of the storm 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.
Check back for RiverheadLOCAL storm coverage and photos.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.