A Foot of Snow Buries Long Island, More Than 17K Power Outages

The snow is winding down across Long Island, but the roadways are a mess and more than 17,000 Long Islanders are without power.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for Suffolk County until 3 p.m. A winter storm warning for Nassau has expired, but a hazardous weather outlook remains in effect for the entire island. Snowfall total amounts will approach 8-12 inches in many spots across Long Island, making travel “very difficult,” the National Weather Service says.

SEE: Long Island Snow Totals (So Far)

Numerous downed trees and power lines have been reported on the island.

The heavy wet snow combined with moderate northerly winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts into the 30s will be a threat to down tree limbs and power lines through this afternoon across this area, the NWS said in a forecast discussion.

As of 1:55 p.m., PSEG Long Island is reporting that 17,153 of its customers are without power. The large majority of the outages are in Suffolk County. Find the PSEG outage map here. To report a power outage, call 800-490-0075.

“The heavy snow is making work and traveling difficult for all, including our crews,” PSEG wrote on its Facebook page. “We are out and responding as quickly and safely as possible, but ask our customers for their patience and understanding throughout the restoration.”

A Mess on The Roads

Numerous accidents have been reported across Long Island Friday. There have been no reports of serious injuries.

• The HOV and left lanes were closed on the eastbound Long Island Expressway at Exit 40 due to an auto accident.
• All lanes on the southbound Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway (Route 135) were closed at Exit 5 due to a tractor-trailer accident. The tractor-trailer has reportedly overturned in the roadway.
• The right lane of the Southern State Parkway eastbound Exit 31 - Bethpage State Parkway (Oyster Bay) to Exit 32S - Nassau-Suffolk County Line (Oyster Bay) was closed due to a downed tree, according to 511NY.

Next Major Storm?

Already, the National Weather Service has issued a “hazardous weather outlook” for a possible nor’easter on Monday and into most of Tuesday. The weather service predicts that this will be a coastal storm, which could impact the region but the exact track is still uncertain.

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As of right now, light snow is predicted to develop late Monday afternoon on Long Island, just in time for the evening commute, and it’s forecast to pick up in intensity and last into Tuesday afternoon. Again, we know this forecast will likely change.

The National Weather Service says it is too early to be talking potential snowfall totals from the storm.

Patch courtesy of Daniel Newman: A tree toppled onto a car and brought down wires at Jayne Avenue and Thorne Street in Patchogue this morning.

Have snow photos? Email them to [email protected] (just note the location).