Four inches of wet snow blanketed the town overnight, Riverhead Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski said Tuesday morning.
Some places saw accumulations up to five inches so far, he said.
The “persistent snow” overnight has mixed with some sleet, making for “slushy conditions” in Riverhead this morning, Zaleski said. Travelers should use extra caution on roads and walkways, which will be slippery.
Zaleski called highway crew members in at 9:30 last night to begin sanding and salting local roads. They worked through the night, he said.
Plow trucks are out this morning clearing snow and slush from town roads.
“We’re pushing things off,” the highway superintendent said. “We’re going to apply more salt come daybreak. It’s still a work in progress.”
Snow will mix with sleet and rain this morning with additional accumulation of up to an inch, according to the National Weather Service forecast. There is a chance of rain this afternoon. It will be breezy today with a high of about 40 degrees, according to the forecast.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m., the National Weather Service said in an update this morning.
Expect some flooding from melting snow as temperatures rise, Zaleski said.
Public, private and parochial schools in Riverhead and across the region are operating on a two-hour delayed schedule today.
Riverhead Town Hall and town offices will have a two-hour delayed opening at 10:30 a.m. Southold Town Hall and all Southold Town offices will also have a two-hour delayed opening.
Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar last night issued a snow emergency declaration prohibiting parking on town roads and authorizing police to take whatever steps are necessary to protect life, property and public infrastructure. Vehicles parked on roads may be ticketed and towed.
Motorists are urged to used extra caution on all area roads, police said in an advisory last night. Motorists should allow extra travel time this morning, reduce speeds and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Expect icy and snow-covered pavement to make stopping more difficult.
Police remind residents and business owners that shoveling or plowing snow into the street violates town code and creates a traffic hazard.
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