Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency Saturday ahead of Sunday's winter storm.

In the declaration, it says the storm is "expected to cause hazardous conditions posing an imminent danger to public transportation, utility services, public health, and public safety systems" and "produce significant snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, which may result in road closures, travel disruptions, widespread power outages, and damage to public and private property, which pose a threat to public health and safety."

-Bob Doda

NICE Bus is advising riders that the winter storm may hinder buses from arriving on-time.

The bus service is asking riders to check for advance for possible delays or detours.

Riders can use the NICE Go Mobile app (https://www.nicebus.com/Tools/GoMobile-App) to check the status of their specific bus, or can use the “Where’s My Bus” feature found under “Rider Tools” on the main NICE Bus webpage (www.nicebus.com) or the Service Alerts page for updates (https://www.nicebus.com/Service-Alerts).

- By Brendan O'Leary

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine provided the public with an update on storm preparations Saturday afternoon in Yaphank before declaring a state of emergency in the county.

He stated that it will “create flexibility in response measures and will assist in the recouperation of funds expended during the storm.”

During the press briefing, he assured the community that local agencies are working hard to keep everyone safe ahead of the storm.

He also urged residents to stay home and off the road on Sunday.

The Department of Social Services is prepared to offer assistance to anyone in need of shelter.

“This is not a time to weather the storm. This is the time to ask for help,” he said.

Romaine also mentioned that DPW has 10,000 tons of salt on hand for the roads and 120 vehicles ready to respond to the storm.

The Emergency Operation Center will be opened around 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Romaine reminds the public to be cautious but remains optimistic about the county’s storm preparation efforts.

“Mother Nature is going to test us. But we’re going to get through this,” he said.

- By Lauren Pena