Update: Bands of heavy snow spread across region, creating hazardous driving conditions

Bands of heavy snow began moving across the region late this morning, producing  snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service in Upton.

Total accumulations of 6 to 9 inches are expected. 

Snow will end from west to east this afternoon and shut down completely across far eastern areas by early this evening, the weather service said.

Temperatures at the height of the storm will hover right around freezing, then may warm a bit in the afternoon as the snow comes to an end, according to the NWS statement.

A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m.

See local closings, cancellations and delays

The snow has created predictably hazardous driving conditions, Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller said. There have been numerous motor vehicle accidents all across town this morning, including a few involving vehicles skidding off the road and striking utility poles. Fortunately, no serious injuries have resulted, he said.

“If you don’t have to go out, don’t,” Hegermiller said. “And if you must go out, slow down.” Failure to slow down greatly increased the risk of losing control on snow-covered, icy roads, he said.

The chief urged all motorists to “use common sense” when venturing out.

“Stay off the roads even after the snow stops to give highway crews a chance to clear the roads and intersections,” the chief said.

Riverhead Highway Department crews have been out in full force since early this morning, Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski said. 

“I want to get the whole town pushed off and salted before tonight, when the temperature drops and everything freezes,” he said.

Parking on any town road is prohibited during a snow emergency declaration, which was issued by Supervisor Tim Hubbard last night. Parked vehicles are subject to towing, fines and impound fees, under town code.

“It’s common sense — if we have to plow snow, you should not park your car on the street,” Zaleski said. Vehicles parked in the street impede plowing operations, risk damage caused by plows and leave behind piles of snow when they are dug out after plowing is finished. That means the plows have to return again to finish the job – and often the snow is frozen and difficult or impossible to push off, Zaleski said. He urged residents and businesses to cooperate.

It is also a violation of town code to push or blow snow from your property onto a public road or sidewalk.

Residents are also reminded to clear snow away from fire hydrants so that they are visible and readily accessible to firefighters in case of a fire.

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl