Ahead of winter storm Harper’s arrival in Long Island this weekend, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today highlighted the county’s readiness to respond to expected hazardous conditions on the roads and highways, while urging all residents to avoid driving and leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary.
Snow salt and plow trucks will begin to treat county roads for slippery/icy conditions as needed. Nassau County has 21,000 tons of road salt on hand and 108 snow plows and sanders as well as payloaders ready to roll. The county executive is also providing key information about continued NICE service, available warming centers, homeless shelters, and general procedures to stay safe during severe winter weather.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Nassau County that is in effect Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Forecasters are expecting up to 6 inches of snow turning into sleet, possible flooding in some areas, and winds gusting up to 30 mph, with temperatures dropping rapidly on Sunday night into Monday morning. Temperatures on Monday could drop to a low of 8 degrees, with wind chills of 10 to 11 degrees below zero.
“This storm will take a turn for the worse later this weekend — please don’t take your safety for granted,” said Curran. “Our crews are ready to roll for the hazardous conditions that are coming, but we cannot emphasize this enough: please stay off the roads and do not leave your home unless absolutely necessary.”
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
- The EOC will be staffed overnight on Saturday as of 6 p.m. to monitor storm system currently expected to pass out to sea well south of the NY-Metro region.
- The EOC emergency line is 516-573-9600. The non-emergency line is 516-573-0321. As always, use 911 for all emergencies.
- For non-emergency contact numbers, such as PSE&G, National Grid, LIRR, etc., visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/oem
NICE Service
- The Nassau Inter-County Express will aim to maintain regularly scheduled service on all routes as long as conditions allow. Safety teams will be deployed throughout Nassau County to monitor road conditions. Should conditions erode, service may be forced to transition from scheduled time point service to headway service.
- If any problems persist following snowfall, NICE riders should call the Travel Information Center at 516-336-6600 or use the online contact form.
Warming Centers (daytime)
The following locations will be fully open to residents:
Cantiague Park Ice Rink (480 W. John Street, Hicksville; 516-571-7056) on Sunday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Nassau County Aquatic Center (Merrick Ave., Merrick; 516-572-0501) on Sunday and Monday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Grant Park (Broadway and Sheridan Ave., Hewlett; 516-571-7821) on Sunday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christopher Morley Park (500 Searingtown Road North, Roslyn; 516-571-8113) on Sunday and Monday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Operation WARMBED
No resident should be sleeping outside in the freezing cold. The Nassau County Winter Homeless Hotline (1-866-WARMBED) is open and runs seven days a week through March 31.
Between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., Monday through Friday, employees from the Department of Social Services will make appropriate referrals and provide shelter placement. Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, call the Department of Social Services at 516-227-8519.
Emergency Numbers
- Department of Social Services: 516-227-8519; after-office hours: 516-573-8626
- Long Island Crisis Center: 516-679-1111
- The Safe Center L.I.: 516-542-0404
- Nassau University Medical Center: 516-572-0123
How to Stay Safe when a Winter Storm Threatens
Plan Now
- Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.
- Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
- Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
- Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
- Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.
Survive During
- Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.
- Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
Recognize and Respond
- Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes. Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin. Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
- Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency. Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first — chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.