Franklin Square hit with season's first snowstorm

Franklin Square and Elmont residents woke up to about seven inches of snow on Friday and flakes were falling from the sky until approximately 8:30 a.m. From the pathways to their homes to the piles on their vehicles, residents began digging their way out.

As of noon, District 3 Legislator Carrie Solages said that there was still significant work left to be done on Elmont roads. He said he is channeling the calls to his office regarding town roads. County roads, he said, are in good shape and there are no downed power lines.

"People who live in the west end of Elmont and Valley Stream have reason to complain," he said. "Removal has not as of yet been what it used to be. My office and cell-phone will confine to get calls on these roads. The town does a great job and they are responsive; I give them credit. But I do get the calls."

State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said that she was very concerned about the impact the the snowstorm would have on PSEG Long Island's electrical system. She said that the storm had a minor impact on the electrical system, and that PSEG was very well-prepared.

"After witnessing the frustration and poor response time during Sandy," she said, "I was definitely concerned. Upon news of the storm, I directly communicated with PSEG. PSEG had put into place its emergency plan to deal with the blizzard and immediately repair customer outages. [They] had their personnel prepared, all vehicles were fueled and ready and had emergency repair supplies on hand."

Franklin Square resident Danielle Berardi said that because of a broken snowblower, she would try to stay home and help her husband, Luigi, shovel.

"We couldn't get [the snowblower] started," she said, "so we have to resort to shoveling. But, you're never too old for snow angels."

Franklin Square School District was closed for the day. Elmont School District and Sewanhaka School District are on holiday recess until Monday, Jan. 6.

To report a power outage, call PSEG at(800) 490-0075 or report an outage online, on your smartphone or via text.Text OUT to 773454 or visit www.psegliny.com.

Temperatures on Friday are expected to be in the mid teens, with lows in the single-digits.