Bellmore-Merrick schools closed Thursday in anticipation of winter storm

Schools in Bellmore and Merrick will be closed Dec. 17 due to a winter storm warning from the National Weather Service forecasting the first major snowstorm of 2020.

The warning will be in effect for all of Long Island through Thursday afternoon, according to the service. An area of low pressure over the Atlantic Ocean will sweep into the region as a nor'easter, bringing with it heavy snow and heavy winds. Blizzard-like conditions are also possible.

Citing the warning and "anticipated hazardous road conditions," Central High School District Superintendent John DeTommaso emailed families to inform them of the snow day. He added that instruction would not take place, remotely or otherwise.

The Town of Hempstead’s winter response team made its final preparations earlier today in anticpation of the storm. It boasts 165 plow trucks, more than 40 payloaders, 40 pickup trucks and two tractor trailers. The town has also rented an additional 13 pickup trucks with detachable plows, which will service the entire township once snowfall begins late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.

 Hempstead Town Councilman Christopher Carini, who represents Bellmore and Merrick, said the team had already prepped roadways around the town with more than 20,000 tons of salt by Wednesday afternoon, including more than 1,200 miles of roads and 121 parking lots.

According to The Weather Channel, Merrick is slated to receive 5 to 8 inches of snow overnight, while Bellmore is expected to receive 3 to 5 inches. In some areas of the towns, more than a foot of accumulated snowfall is expected, officials said.

“The Town of Hempstead stands at the ready to respond to this first major snowstorm of 2020,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “We encourage all residents to take this storm seriously. Stock up on basic essentials, make sure your elderly family members and friends have a warm place to stay, and, most importantly, please stay off the roads.”

Carini also encouraged residents to stay off the roads, as conditions are expected to worsen throughout the night.

J.D. Freda contributed to this story.