Mother Nature is gearing up to wallop Long Island with several feet of snow today and tomorrow, and many weather outlets are reminding residents of the steps they can take to ensure their warmth and safety.
According to www.weather.com, Winter Storm Juno will engulf the Northeast and create blizzard conditions in seven states. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings from the New Jersey shore all the way to Downeast Maine, including the cities of New York City, Boston, Providence, Hartford and Portland. Most of the warnings are in effect from Monday afternoon or evening through late Tuesday night. The Weather Service said at least 28 million people will be impacted by the coming storm.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the “potentially historic” storm in many areas in the region effective Monday at 1 p.m., as well as increased the snow accumulation and wind speed forecast. As of Sunday evening, the National Weather Service expects general snowfall from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet with local amounts in excess of 3 feet, and wind gusts that may reach up to 65 MPH. Snow may fall at a rate of up to 4 inches per hour and visibility may be reduced to zero.
Nassau County officials said that any travel plans in the affected areas late Monday into Tuesday should be canceled. As for Monday, Long Islanders could face the prospect of emergency shut downs of the Long Island Rail Road and the Long Island Expressway before afternoon rush hour, according to Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.
To combat the storm, Mangano said that the American Red Cross will open a shelter at 5 p.m. today at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, located at 500 Leonard Blvd. in New Hyde Park. Long Island’s power provider PSEG said that in anticipation of the storm, it is scheduling all available personnel, including contractors, so they are ready when the storm hits. PSEG also said it is reaching out for 400 additional personnel from various states for other utilities and some have already arrived from the Midwest this morning. The utility company urged residents to remain in doors through the duration of the storm. To report power outages, call 1-800-490-0075, text “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454) or visit the company online at www.psegliny.com/stormcenter
