State of Emergency Lifted in Riverhead; Town Hall Opens at 11 a.m.

Update: As the snowfall diminished Friday morning, a Riverhead Town state of emergency was lifted, and Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Russell announced Town Hall would reopen at 11 a.m.

The Long Island Expressway reopened at 8 a.m.

If you have delayed openings or closures to announce, please add them to the comments section of this story or email Lisa.Finn@patch.com.

Original story: As the blizzard picked up steam in Riverhead, Town Supervisor Sean Walter declared a state of emergency on Thursday night, which remained in effect Friday morning.

The state of emergency was announced at 9 p.m.; Walter urged residents to "stay home and stay safe" as up to nine inches of snow fell on the town.

Moderate coastal flooding was expected at high tide, with roads near the Long Island Sound especially susceptible, including Creek Road in Wading River and Beach Way in Baiting Hollow.

All residents on the North Shore and bluffs were told to be on the lookout for erosion, and take necessary precautions.

Residents were also asked to remove all cars from public highways to allow for cleanup; those who do not comply will face fines. Snow should not be shoveled out into the street, as it creates a hazard for others. Fire hydrants should be made visible and remain shoveled out.

Walter asked that residents check on elderly or homebound neighbors and also, make sure that pets are inside and safe.