Snow Coverage

Murray declares ‘state of emergency’ in Hempstead Town

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This story was updated at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26. 

With the first major local snowstorm brewing, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray has declared a state of emergency in the region.

Murray announced that America’s largest township was in a state of emergency just before 12 p.m. Monday. According to the National Weather Service, a blizzard warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Monday through Tuesday evening in the area; town officials are monitoring multiple weather sites to stay on top of all current predictions. 

This means that town snow removal crews are preparing to effectively and efficiently salt and plow streets. Therefore, officials are requesting that homeowners remove cars from roadways, and that residents stay off the streets entirely, if possible.

“I would urge all motorists to stock up on food and medical supplies now,” she explained. “Once the snow begins, the town will ask drivers to limit road travel to essential trips.”

Crews began salting operation at 7 a.m. on Monday, making use of more than 200 pieces of equipment  and more than 40,000 tons of salt that the town has on hand. Officials anticipate needing approximately 10,000 tons of salt for this storm.

Murray also cautioned residents to limit exposure to the elements as temperatures drop. Frigid temperatures and high winds are forecasted to accompany the storm.

Wind-related issues are at the forefront of town officials' minds, they said, as they've seen large gusts push snow right back onto freshly plowed roadways.  They also noted that gusts may also create “white out” conditions, severely limiting visibility.

“Hempstead Town will be working to keep neighbors safe and roads clear as this winter storm hits our area,” Murray said. “We ask residents to help us by removing cars from roadways and by limiting car travel during peak snowfall periods.”