(Jan. 8- 4 a.m.) The winter storm emergency in the Town of Riverhead was rescinded as of midnight.
(4:35 p.m.) Motorists who venture out tonight should watch out for drifting snow on certain roads around Riverhead, Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski said this afternoon.
Drifting is likely on Sound Avenue, Hulse Landing Road, Manor Road, Roanoke Avenue north of Middle Road, Osborn Avenue, Doctors Path, Reeves Avenue and Manor Lane, Zaleski said. Motorists should use extra caution and reduce their speeds, he said.
Crews will be on duty tonight to clear off any snow drifts and repair equipment, the highway superintendent said. “Since we are so stretched for trucks we must make repairs immediately so we’re always prepared for the next storm,” he said.
Zaleski gave props to Deputy Superintendent John Apicello and the entire highway department crew. “We have a great team,” he said.
(6:35 a.m.) Drifting snow along Middle Country Road in Calverton from Manor Road to Edwards Avenue is blocking lanes of travel and impeding the movement of vehicles, according to police radio reports. State DOT plows are coming through every half- hour but blowing snow is drifting.
Wind speeds are expected to pick up as the storm system passes to the east of Long Island. North winds of 14 to 22 mph will become northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
(6:05 a.m.) Riverhead Town Highway Department crews have been working since 2:30 this morning, Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski said.
“A lot came down at once,” he said. “At this point, all roads have been sanded/salted. We’re now starting to keep main roads open. We’re expecting a few more inches by 10 a.m. By that time, we will have entered developments to do a final clean-up,” he said.
“I expect to have the town completely plowed and re-salted by the evening commute,” Zaleski said.
(5:30 a.m.) A winter storm warning remains in effect this morning as heavy snow blankets the region.
Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are expected before the snow ends later this morning.
Road conditions are making travel difficult this morning.
Some road surfaces iced up before being covered with snow, creating dangerous conditions. County Route 58 from the Roanoke Avenue traffic circle to about Mill Road is very icy. Riverhead Police have requested immediate attention from Suffolk County DPW. Police are working to remove a disabled tractor-trailer from the westbound lanes of Route 58 near Kroemer Avenue. Traffic is being diverted around the truck.
Visibility is limited. Slow down, use extra caution and watch out for first responders.
The Town of Riverhead has proclaimed a winter storm event, which went into effect at midnight.
No parking is permitted on either side of any roadway in the town, the proclamation said.
Parked vehicles are subject to impound and towing at the owner’s expense, Riverhead Police said in a travel advisory yesterday.
Storm closings, cancellations and delays are listed here.
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