LIRR service to stop as winter storm worsens in Valley Stream

A massive nor'easter out of the west continued to pound Valley Stream, dumping more than a foot of snow by noon with more on the way, according to the National Weather Service. 

With strong winds, the storm has become so severe that Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in 44 counties. The Long Island Railroad announced it would begin to suspend service at around 2:30 p.m. 

Valley Stream is among the communities hard hit by the storm, with near whiteout conditions in the morning.  All four school districts announced their closure to both in-person and remote learning on Sunday afternoon. 

Village snow removal crews began salting the roads on Sunday evening and will remain on plowing duty until Tuesday if necessary, Mayor Ed Fare reported. 

Residents said they had seen a number of snow plows come by throughout the night, but the frequency had slowed by mid-day.

"Saw many plows earlier. None in the last couple of hours," resident Roy Anderson said. "Too much to keep up with."

Fare said blowing winds and snow drifts have posed a challenge to crews. 

Nassau County and town officials urged people to stay off the roads during the storm if they could. Road conditions were already "treacherous" by Monday morning.

"Wind is going to play a signifcant role in this storm," said County Executive Laura Curran during a news conference Sunday. "We're talking about blizzard-like conditions .... It's going to be heavy, wet snow with a lot of wind."

The biggest snow fall will come between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday. The South Shore is expected to be "most vulnerable," the county executive said.

"As the day goes on, conditions are going to get more dangerous for driving," Curran said.

Two to five inches were expected to fall by the time of the morning commute at 9 a.m., and snow was expected to accumulate throughout the day after that.

Two to five inches were expected to fall by the time of the morning commute at 9 a.m., and snow was expected to accumulate throughout the day after that.

For your hyperlocal forecast by zip code, see the National Weather Service here.

Power outages were expected. To report one, go to PSEGliny.com.

Expect delays and service disruptions on the Long Island Rail Road and NICE Bus. 

For more on NICE Bus, go to nicebus.com.

For more on the LIRR, go to mta.info.