Winter storm pounds Bellmore-Merrick

Updated 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 27. A fierce winter storm that rolled into Bellmore-Merrick around 9 a.m. on Sunday continued to pound the community through Monday morning, dumping 12 to 20 inches of snow on the ground and buffeting the area with winds from 15 to 50 miles per hour. Temperatures dipped into the teens.

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for all of Long Island through 6 p.m. on Monday. A blizzard is defined as three hours of sustained heavy snow, poor visibility and high winds.

By 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, six to eight inches of snow had accumulated in the Bellmore-Merrick area, and by Monday morning the white stuff was piled high throughout the community.

Roads were slick and snow-covered throughout Bellmore-Merrick. Nassau County and Town of Hempstead officials were advising residents to stay at home if possible.

The Long Island Rail Road suspended service. Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said riders should check mta.info for schedule updates before heading out. MTA officials also urged riders to exercise caution on train platforms.

Bellmore-Merrick residents seemed to take the storm in stride. Joe Baker, president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, said, "We're just staying in and keeping the sidewalk clear and waiting until it warms up. It was very reminiscent of last year’s blizzards. I was confident that the Town [of Hempstead] would do a good job like they did last year. The snow removal was done very quickly and very efficiently."

Claudia Borecky, president of the North Merrick Civic Association, said, "We wound up losing heat, so I’m a little worried. Other than that, it’s hard to get around. But there is a lot to do, I understand that."

And Steve Gurien, 23, of North Bellmore, said, "I wasn’t looking forward to shoveling all day today, but snow blowers are great inventions."

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