Snow On the Way: Town Cancels Meetings, Prepares Streets

With Mother Nature expected to blast the area with up to a foot of snow, Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter is taking precautions.

Walter said Thursday that all town meetings scheduled for the evening hours have been cancelled as of 4:30 p.m. due to the impending storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning, from 6 p.m. to 1 p.m.  Friday, Walter said, making travel dangerous. 

“As this blizzard makes its way across Long Island expecting to hit our town this evening into the morning hours, I want our residents to know that our highway department and office of emergency management have made the necessary preparations to keep our streets open and safe.”

Riverhead Highway Superintendent George "Gio" Woodson said crews went out Thursday morning and sand salted all the roads in town. This afternoon, crews are working on the trucks to be sure everything is in top shape.

"We just want everything ready and everyone rested, so when we do need to go out, we can go out and do what we need to do," he said.

The supervisor urged all residents not to drive during the storm and reminded them to park off the street to allow crews to remove snow and ice in an efficient manner.

“While we are hoping that we will not have major power outages stemming from this storm, I suggest that our residents take necessary precautionary actions and to check on their supply of batteries, flashlights, etc.," Walter said. "My priority is to keep our residents and their family safe. As always, I am thankful for the brave men and women who stand ready to respond when our residents are in harm’s way.”

For storm preparation tips, Walter suggested the American Red Cross page. 

Residents that experience a power outage, should call the PSE&G Emergency Hotline at 1-800-490-0075 or visit the PSE&G Storm Center.