Heavy snow and strong winds gusting as high as 55 mph will produce whiteout conditions today, making travel “very dangerous to impossible,” the National Weather said this morning.
Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour are expected this morning into this afternoon.
Total snow accumulations of nine to 12 inches are expected with localized higher amounts, according to the weather service. Significant drifting is likely. Damage to trees and power lines is possible, causing scattered power outages.
A blizzard warning remains in effect for Suffolk County until 1 a.m. Friday. A coastal flood advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today for the southern and eastern bays of Long Island.
Officials urge residents to stay home and stay off the roads, as travel today will be extremely dangerous.
Power outages or downed wires should be reported directly to PSEG-LI at 1-800-490-0075. Power outages may also be reported by texting OUT to 773454 or online at psegliny.com. Downed lines should always be considered energized; do not go near them or drive over them, the utility warned.
No parking is permitted on either side of any street in Riverhead during between 6 a.m. today and 6 a.m. tomorrow, according to a declaration of a winter storm event by Riverhead Town Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith. Vehicles parked in the roads are subject to ticketing and towing by police, pursuant to town code.
Local schools are closed today.
Town governments across the East End have announced closings of all offices and facilities and the cancellation of all town programs.
Suffolk County bus service is canceled today.
Cross Sound Ferry has canceled all casino connections today as well as the 10 a.m., 2 and 6 p.m. auto ferry departures from Orient and he 8 a.m. 12 noon, 4 and 8 p.m. auto ferry departures from New London.
The Long Island Rail Road anticipates running normal service today, the MTA said in a statement yesterday. LIRR staff will monitor the storm as it progresses and make any adjustments necessary, the agency said.
Hampton Jitney has canceled all morning and afternoon trips today. Further adjustments for tomorrow are possible due to forecasted heavy snowfall and severe weather and road conditions, the bus service said.
See additional closings and cancellations here.
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