Snow shuts down Seaford, Wantagh

With snow falling at a rapid pace, roads blocked, schools closed for the weekend and activities canceled, most Wantagh and Seaford residents have decided to stay home during the first major snowstorm of the winter.

Jim Padavan, of Seaford, owner of Air Design Inc., a heating and air conditioning company in Valley Stream, said he was unable to make it to work today because of the condition of the roads. He said that his business remains open as the repairmen need to be on call. "I can't tell people I can't service their heat," he said, adding, "I'm concerned about the safety of my employees."

When he looked outside at about 8 a.m., Padavan said there already appeared to be 8 to 10 inches of snow on the ground. His two teenagers were sleeping in, but he said he might bring them later to their grandparents to help shovel.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency on Long Island. “This is a major storm, and travel conditions throughout downstate New York are dangerous,” he said. “We are doing everything possible to keep the roads and mass transit operational, but unless there is an emergency people should not be traveling. I urge all New Yorkers to stay home, stay warm, and allow our emergency personnel to do their jobs.”

Jessica Fortunato, of Wantagh, said that her children, an 8-year-old and 6-year-old twins, were outside by 10 a.m. "They're actually outside playing already," she said. "I'm watching them from the inside."

Fortunato said she has seen no one out on her street. The back of her house faces the Southern State Parkway and she said she has noticed very few cars going by.

To prepare for the storm, she said she stocked up on extra food, had the shovels out and had all the kids' snow gear like jackets, gloves and boots at the ready. She added that some of the snow drifts are as high as her 6-year-olds.

Jolie Mintz, of Blue Spruce Lane in Wantagh, said that everyone on her street has been staying inside, seeing nothing more than the occasional car drive by.

Doreen Surace, of Seaford, said her teenagers are looking to make a little money by helping shovel people out, but will probably have to wait until Sunday because of the way the snow is blowing around as it falls.