Accumulating Snow, High Winds and Near Blizzard Conditions Possible With Approaching Nor'easter  The National Weather Service is monitoring the likely development of a nor'easter that is expected to impact our region tomorrow and Thursday with heavy snow and high winds. An area of low pressure moving eastward from the central US is anticipated to strengthen off of the Southeast coast and bring major winter weather impacts from the central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast.
On Long Island, there is the potential for 8 to 14 inches of snowfall, some sleet and wind gusts as high as 50 mph from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday Afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, during the storm, travel may become be very difficult to impossible and gusty winds could bring down tree branches and utility lines causing power disruptions.
Current Advisories
As of 12:45PM the National Weather Service has issued the following advisories and guidance for Long Island:
Please note, weather advisories routinely change with changing weather conditions, so visit The National Weather Service for the most current advisories for our region.
Stay Informed
As the system moves through our area, you should monitor local weather forecasts and advisories. The National Weather Service and other local media outlets will provide you with alerts related to the storm as they are issued.
Sign up for Suffolk County’s emergency alerts (SuffolkAlert) high-speed notification system. Emergency Officials will use this system to contact residents in the event of an actual or impending emergency.
Power Outages
If you lose power, please report the outage to PSEG Long Island at (800) 490-0075 or by Texting OUT to 773454. The text message method of reporting an outage requires a one-time registration. Please visit PSEGLI at https://www.psegliny.com/outages/waystoreportanoutage#TXT to learn more about this option.
Remember: any downed wire should be treated as if it is a live electric wire. Keep people away from it and do not touch it. Any wire can become energized if it has come in contact with an electric wire somewhere along the system.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, PSEGLI is requesting that customers remain in their homes while crews are working nearby. If customers must speak with PSEGLI crew members, they are asked to practice responsible “social distancing” and remain at least 6 feet away to ensure the health of everyone involved.
Other Precautions
To the greatest extent possible:- Keep cell phones and tablets charged so they have a full battery if the power should go out (lower screen brightness and shut down applications to preserve battery life).
- Secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Other Helpful Storm Related Contact Numbers
For you convenience, I have listed some important emergency and non-emergency contact numbers to help you get through the storm should you need assistance:- Police Emergency – 911*
- Police Non-emergency – (631) 852-2677, (631-852-COPS)
- Town of Brookhaven Highway Department - (631) 451-9200**
- Suffolk County Department of Public Works – (631) 852-4070***
- Village of Belle Terre – (631) 928-0020
- Village of Old Field – (631) 941-9412
- Village of Poquott – (631) 476-4043
- Village of Port Jefferson Department of Public Works – (631) 473-4733
FIRE/RESCUE (Non-emergency Numbers):- Mount Sinai – (631) 473-2418
- Port Jefferson – (631) 473-8910
- Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance – (631) 473-2519
- Setauket – (631) 941-4900
- Stony Brook – (631) 751-0460
- Terryville – (631) 473-1224
SCHOOL DISTRICTS:- Comsewogue – (631) 474-8100
- Mount Sinai – (631) 870-2500
- Port Jefferson – (631) 791-4500
- Three Village – (631) 730-4000
*Please do not call 911 or other emergency telephone lines unless you are in need of assistance with an immediate physical or medical emergency.
**Responsible for all roads in the district (outside of incorporated villages) except County Road 97 and New York State Routes 112, 25A and 347.
***For emergency issues on county roads such as Nicolls Road (CR 97) only.
Additional information, notifications and details may be posted by Suffolk County’s Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services as the storm develops and impacts our area. Click here to visit the Department’s information page.
 Suffolk County SPCA Urges Pet Owners Not to Forget About Their Furry Friends During Winter Weather Events
During winter storms animals feel the same harsh winds, snow, and freezing temperatures as we do. Animals need extra protection to survive the winter storm too. With the extreme cold and snow settling into the area, it's important to remember to bring your pets inside.
Please make sure they're safe and sound during this major winter storm. With a winter storm on its way, it's time to be sure we are prepared to take proper care of our furry friends.
Always keep ID tags on pets, because animals can get lost during a winter storm. More pets are lost in the winter than any other time of the year. Pets lose their ability to scent their way home in snow and icy conditions.
In addition, never leave pets unattended in the car without heat. Animals can freeze to death very quickly, and by [allowing this to happen], the pet owner becomes just as irresponsible as those who leave pets unattended in a car during summer's unbearable heat.
The other basic rules are as follows: - Keep Cats Indoors: This prevents injury, frostbite, hypothermia, and death.
- Be Alert to Frostbite: Skin can turn red, white or gray and scaly. If you suspect frostbite, contact your vet immediately.
- Always Walk Dogs on a Leash: Dogs can become disoriented or lost. Roads are often dangerous during snow conditions due to snowplow piles and ice.
- Be Aware of Sheltered Cats and Wildlife: Outdoor cats and other animals will often seek shelter beneath the hood of a car and can be killed by fans or belts. Bang on the hood or blow your horn before starting the car.
- Be Aware of Exposure Time: Dogs who are ill, old, very young, or shorthaired cannot endure prolonged exposure to winter weather. Take them out only to relieve themselves. Coats or sweaters can help avoid problems for dogs that like to play in the snow. Many dogs need boots in winter weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up his paws, whines or stops on his walks, his feet are uncomfortably cold and may need dog booties for his paws.
- Keep Pets Dry: Never take your dog or cat out after a bath unless they are completely dry.
- Have a Cleanup Routine: Keep a towel and maybe moist wipes by the door to clean dogs' feet of salt, anti-freeze, and other harmful toxins. Road salt can irritate or burn, as well as cause vomiting and in some pets can even cause seizures. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to pets and can be deadly if ingested. Keep paws, bellies, and legs clean to avoid problems.
- Keep Pets Warm: Always keep beds slightly elevated and away from cold drafts.
If you have bunnies who live outside, make sure they have a warm, dry hutch with plenty of bedding that is out of the wind. Water is important too as is some extra food. Cover the hutch with a tarp.
During this winter storm bring your pet inside.Remember animals get cold just like you.
In Suffolk County, you cannot tether, leash, secure, tie, pen or confine a dog outside when the temperature is below 32° Fahrenheit. |