Long Islanders Told To 'Stay Off Roads' During Storm: Hochul And Bellone

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A blizzard warning has been issued for Suffolk County, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and heavy snow causing whiteout conditions in the forecast for Saturday, the National Weather Service says.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday afternoon to give people an idea of what to expect, as the blizzard warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Saturday.

The wind's potential to cause complete whiteout conditions will lead to it being dangerous on roads, Hochul warned. The governor declared a State of Emergency because of the expected blizzard.

"There are no excuses," she said. "People should not be on the roads unnecessarily."

Long Island is expected to be one of the hardest-hit areas in the state, and it could get between 10 to 16 inches of snow, according to Hochul. A few inches of snowfall per hour can be "treacherous," Hochul said.

"I feel like a weatherperson," Hochul said. "Here is what I'm asking New Yorkers. Just stay off the roads."

She told people to fill up their gas tanks on the way home from work and make sure items such as scrapers, gloves, blankets, and water are accessible in vehicles.

State police and New York State Department of Transportation have moved personnel to Long Island in preparation for the winter storm, and state police will be increasing their patrol of the island's roads, according to the state.

The Long Island Railroad announced its plans to suspend all service overnight on Friday and may not restore service until the Monday rush hour, Newsday reported.

The storm is likely to be one of the most significant storms that Suffolk has seen in several years, Bellone said. Up to 18 inches of snow is expected to hit the county, with 2 feet of snow possible in some areas, he said.

"We are preparing for the worst here," Bellone said. "Our crews are ready."

Suffolk County has 18,000 tons of salt and sand ready, as well as nearly 200 vehicles prepared to hit the roads.

Bellone shared some positive aspects of the snowstorm: the snow should be on the lighter side and the storm is slated to hit after commuting hours on Friday night and into Saturday.

That's it for the good news, according to Bellone.

High snow accumulation, gusty winds and very low temperatures are all factors that will make it a difficult challenge to clear the snow off the county's roads, Bellone said. The clean-up will take some time, he added. The county is aiming to prepare the roads for the Monday morning commute.

"There is no reason to be out on the roads on Saturday as this storm is hitting," Bellone said. "We are expecting blind-out conditions during the overnight hours. This is going to be very difficult for the plow operators to be working out there. If you are out on the roadway, you are making their job more difficult and more dangerous."

Bellone said only emergency workers or hospital workers should be out on the roads. He said he has seen many drivers who should not be out on the roads get stranded during winter storms.

Smith Point Bridge is set to close at 4 p.m. Friday, and Suffolk Transit is due to be canceled on Saturday.

Suffolk residents experiencing issues with heating were asked to call 311 right away, Bellone said.