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Major storm slams across Long Island with blizzard-like conditions
Helpful resources:
Power Outages: PSEG Long Island Outage Map
School Closings: Click here for more information
Nassau Inter-County Express Bus (NICE Bus): Service Alerts
Suffolk County Transit: Bus Service Status
Long Island Rail Road: Current Service Alerts
Road Conditions: 511NY
Dept. of Transportation plow truck overturns on Sunrise Highway
11:30 PM: A New York State Dept. of Transported plow truck filled with salt overturned Sunday on Sunrise Highway, according to Suffolk County police.
Police say the snowplow crashed and overturned at 8:14 p.m. near the Brentwood on ramp. The driver was trapped when police responded by sustained no injuries in the crash.
The Bay Shore Fire Department says the truck is still stuck as of 10:45 Sunday.
A Hazmat team responded to assist in the clean-up of a diesel fuel spill for hours, and the right lane of the expressway is closed for further cleanup efforts. Among hazmat, the Department of Environmental Conservation was on scene monitoring waterway hazards. Additionally, the Bay Shore Fire Department, Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance, Town of Islip Fire Marshal’s, NYS DOT, MTA police and Suffolk County police responded to the scene.
--- Reporting by Karina Kovac
Bethpage diner stays open late as Sunday's snowstorm intensifies
10:47 PM: The Embassy Diner in Bethpage is staying open late as Sunday night's winter storm makes its way across Long Island.
The eatery is going to be open until 2 a.m. to give food to anyone who needs it.
“We stay open for this,” said diner employee Robert Santospago. “We don't do much business, but we stay open for the essential workers because we want to be here for the community.”
"It's a blessing to have somebody you can come here [to]. Great people, great food," said customer Frank Coniglio, of Levittown.
The dinner will reopen on Monday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
--- Reporting by Jenna Rae Gaertner
Travel bans in effect for both Nassau and Suffolk due to major snowstorm
9:16 PM: Travel bans are now in effect for both Nassau and Suffolk counties because of Sunday night's winter storm.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced on Saturday that "all non-essential vehicles should be off public roads and highways from 9 p.m. Sunday night until 9 a.m. Monday morning."
In Suffolk, County Executive Ed Romaine issued a travel ban effective from 9 p.m. Sunday through 9 p.m. Monday.
The purpose of the travel bans is to allow snowplows to safely clean up the roadways and for police and firefighters to quickly respond in the event of emergencies.
--- Reporting by Roberto Torres
8:52 PM: Blowing snow from a winter storm is causing visibility issues in Fort Salonga.
Video courtesy of a News 12 viewer.
7:55 PM: First snow totals on Long Island
Nassau chief fire marshal: 60 fire departments on standby for emergency response during major snowstorm
7:32 PM: Nassau Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro told News 12 that about 60 of the 70 fire departments in the county are on standby – meaning they will spend the night in the firehouse during Sunday night's winter storm.
Ambulances are also staffed in-house. If there's a call, ambulances would be dispatched along with a fire vehicle because of the inclement weather conditions.
There are 24 high-axle vehicles throughout all departments and three from the fire marshal's office.
There are extra dispatchers on hand for the expected extra calls. Uttaro also reminds residents to clear the fire hydrants and keep their house numbers visible. If there's blowing snow, house numbers could get covered, and if there's an emergency, crews need to see them quickly and clearly.
--- Reporting by Thema Ponton, Roberto Torres
7:08 PM: Video of snow from a News 12 viewer in East Northport.
6:52 PM: Video of snow accumulations from a News 12 viewer in Lake Grove.
South Shore residents brace for potential flooding from winter storm
6:10 PM: Sunday's major winter storm is bringing concerns of coastal flooding along South Shore communities.
Residents who live on Bay Street and the surrounding roads in Lindenhurst say water rises a couple feet during inclement weather, leaving them wading through to get to their houses.
"Actually, I bought a little canoe because at one point, it was like 2 1/2 ft, and I had to go to the store. So I paddled all the way down the block," said Tony DeFaro.
Residents say it happens about 10 times a year.
"I mean, it's beautiful living near the water, but after all these years, I think something should be done and nothing has gotten done," says resident Benjamin Lopez. He adds the water comes up through the drains and turns the street into a pond.
-- Reporting by Jenna Rae Gaertner
Nassau County DPW crews pretreat roads ahead of major snowstorm
5:22 PM: Crews headed out from the Nassau County Department of Public Works building around 1 p.m. to begin pretreating roads ahead of Sunday night's major snowstorm.
Officials say salting early helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement once the storm intensifies.
“We'll go out and salt. When it starts sticking, that's when we'll start dropping the plow and cleaning it all up,” said Nassau County Equipment Operator Matthew Waugh.
With significant snowfall forecast island wide, county, town and city crews are preparing for long hours clearing roadways.
A travel ban is going into effect in both Nassau County and Suffolk County to keep roads clear for emergency responders and snow removal teams.
Officials stress that keeping cars off the road is critical to ensuring crews can work efficiently and safely.
“That’s a big obstacle. If everyone gets their cars off the road it helps us tremendously,” Waugh said.
He adds parked cars must also be moved off roadways to give plow operators enough room to maneuver and clear snow effectively.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and allow crews the space they need to keep roads passable throughout the storm.
-- Reporting by Jeremy Skiba
Last LIRR trains schedule
4:40 PM: The MTA announced the schedule for the last LIRR trains that will run late Sunday night before a temporary service suspension due the overnight major winter storm.
"To support a safe and orderly shutdown of the LIRR system," the Port Washington, Port Jefferson, and Babylon branches will operate hourly, beginning 7 p.m. Greenport service and the West Hempstead Branch will end service at 11 p.m.
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!
3:40 PM: We want to see your winter storm pictures and videos. Send them in, as long it is safe to do so, to News 12. You may see them in the show.
Hofstra University closed on Monday due to major winter storm
3:18 PM: Hofstra University announced that it will be closed on Monday due to the major winter storm that's expected to bring significant snow accumulations.
According to the school, in-person classes are canceled, but remote instruction "will be held in many circumstances."
Events that were scheduled to take place on campus are canceled as well, and administrative offices will be closed.
Students are advised to check with faculty about transitioning to virtual classes. Employees are also advised to coordinate with supervisors about working remotely.
Shuttle service will be suspended beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit hofstra.edu/alert.
MTA to temporarily suspend LIRR service, effective 1 a.m. Monday
2:52 PM: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that it will temporarily suspend Long Island Rail Road service beginning at 1 a.m. Monday and resume when weather conditions permit it.
LIRR service will be reduced to hourly on the Port Jefferson and Port Washington branches, and half-hourly on the Babylon Branch, effective Sunday at 7 p.m.
The agency warns that LIRR customers should expect delays and cancelations due to the winter weather.
It also encourages riders to stay informed by visiting mta.info, the MTA app, the TrainTime app, email alerts and by calling 511.
Riders with hearing disabilities are encouraged to dial 711 to reach the MTA at 511.
NICE Bus to suspend service, effective 9 p.m. Sunday
2:25 PM: Nassau Inter County Express (NICE) Bus says it will suspend all service at 9 p.m. Sunday in accordance with a ban on non-essential travel in Nassau County until Monday 9 a.m.
It warned of delays or suspensions early in the evening depending on weather conditions.
NICE Bus says it "will continue to assess the roadways and conditions to make a determination about service Monday morning."
Riders are encouraged to use the NICE GoMobile app to check on the status of service in real time.
Gov. Hochul holds news conference ahead of major storm
1:30 PM: New York is about to get hit by a major winter storm that will bring heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions. Gov. Hochul is holding an update on statewide preparations.
Suffolk County Transit service to shutdown
1:17 PM: Suffolk County Transit service will shut down systemwide at 4 p.m. today. All service will remain suspended on Monday, February 23. Service is currently scheduled to resume on Tuesday, February 24, with an anticipated delayed 10 a.m. start, weather and road conditions permitting. Riders are advised to monitor the SCT website for updates.
NICE Bus Service Advisory
1:11 PM: NICE Bus is advising riders of potential delays or cancellations from heavy snow, high winds and blizzard conditions later this afternoon and into Monday. Riders are advised to use the NICE GoMobile app (https://www.nicebus.com/Tools/GoMobile-App) to check the status of their specific bus in real-time during and after the storm. Extreme delays, detours, limited service and/or service suspensions are possible.
King Kullen and Wild by Nature stores close at 7 p.m. Sunday
11:50 AM: According to King Kullen's public relations team, due to the winter storm, King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. will close all King Kullen and Wild by Nature stores today, February 22, at 7 p.m. Stores will reopen tomorrow, February 23, at 11 a.m.
Suffolk County declares state of emergency
10:55 AM: Suffolk County has declared a state of emergency and implemented a travel ban from 9 p.m. Sunday until 9 a.m. Monday. The ban does not apply to essential workers and plow operators.
Hour-by-hour blizzard forecast
9:29 AM: A potentially historic snowstorm with blizzard conditions is in the forecast for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut by through Monday. Isolated spots in the tri-state area could see up to 2 feet of snow. News 12 meteorologist Alex Calamia is here with an hour-by-hour forecast to show you when impacts could be at their worst and most dangerous.
AAA warns of power outages and dangerous travel as nor’easter approaches
8:37 AM: The storm brings the possibility of power outages, and drivers are encouraged to charge phones, portable chargers and other essential items before the worst conditions arrive. Click here for some tips from AAA.
Power center: Electric outage resources
5:45 AM: Dealing with an electric outage during the storm? Click here for links to report an outage and view the outage map in your area.
25 tips to keep you safe during a winter storm
5:26 AM: The Red Cross put together some tips that will help keep residents stay safe during a snowstorm. Click here for more information.
NYS Emergency Management: Search and rescue teams will be on Long Island during major snowstorm
Saturday 10: 14 PM: The New York State Office of Emergency Management is doing their best to keep communities safe during Sunday's major snowstorm. Director Pete Cichetti says search and rescue teams will be stationed across Long Island.
Gov. Hochul declares state of emergency ahead of Sunday's winter storm
Saturday 8:37 PM: Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency beginning Sunday morning ahead of the major winter storm that expected to impact travel conditions on Sunday.
BLAKEMAN BANS 'CIVILIAN VEHICLE OPERATION'
Saturday 7:34 PM: Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman banning civilian vehicle operation during peak storm hours.
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