As Storm Approaches, Residents Urged To Prepare, Stay Home Sat.

HEMPSTEAD, NY — A winter storm watch is in effect for Long Island, with the target time between Friday evening and Saturday night.

The Town of Hempstead is beginning its preparations for the expected Nor'Easter.

Supervisor Don Clavin said they are anticipating a range of 6-14 inches, but "it's really changing on an hourly basis."

The heaviest snow is expected to start during the early morning hours of Saturday.

But this storm will also likely bring gusting winds up to 50 miles per hour and possible white-out conditions.

"We're expecting trees [down] and power outages, as well as inevitable flooding on the south shore," Clavin told Patch.

Residents should prepare with flashlights, gas for snowblowers, but he reminds homeowners not to shovel snow from sidewalks onto the street.

"It's counterproductive for what we're trying to accomplish," Clavin said.

They are working to keep drains cleared ahead of the winter wallop. As it gets bad outside, Clavin asks residents to let workers do their job.

"If you don't need to go out, stay home on Saturday and let these crews get out there and open up these roads," he said.