Rockville Centre schools, village offices close due to snow

All offices and schools in the Village of Rockville Centre will be closed on Tuesday due to the high volume of snow accumulation.  

Schools in RVC joined several other districts across Nassau County taking precautions this morning. 

According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm warning has been issued for what meteorologists say is expected to be the biggest snowstorm to hit the area in more than two years. 

The warning will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Snowfall is forecasted to be between 5 to 10 inches, with winds as high as 40 mph. 

“Even though we’re coming out of a few days of record high temperatures, this storm is a stark reminder that winter is still alive and well,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a release. “This storm will bring plenty of hazards with it from heavy snow piling up fast to wind, which will bring low visibility and some power outages. Please heed warnings from your local media outlets, as my team will continue to monitor the storm until it’s long gone.”

Hazardous road conditions are forecasted and residents are urged to avoid driving if at all possible.

Employees with the Rockville Centre Department of Public Works are working to ensure the safety of village roadways. 

Residents are reminded to keep roadways clear during the snowstorm while DPW crews are operating snowplows, dump trucks and payloaders.

The DPW will also be using small plows and snow blowers to help clear all village-owned sidewalks, walkways, and ramps. 

Property owners are reminded that they are responsible for keeping all sidewalks and walkways in front and adjacent to their property clear of any snow and ice.

Residents are also urged to clear any snow and ice from fire hydrants and to keep a perimeter clear to allow access in the event of a fire. 

Village code prohibits throwing snow onto the street when clearing driveways and sidewalks. Violations could result in the issuance of a notice and fine. 

In the event of a power outage or electrical emergency, the Rockville Centre Electric Department is available 24/7.  To report an outage, residents can call (516)-766-5800. 

If you must travel, here are some helpful tips to help you through the winter weather: 

• Make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location
• Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it’s operating