North Shore public schools closed amid largest snowstorm in two years

North Shore School District public schools are closed this Tuesday, joining several other districts taking precautions as a major snowstorm blankets over Long Island. Residents of the north shore of Nassau County have already seen at least six inches of snow outside, and with the cold weather showing no signs of abating roads are expected to be icy and dangerous in the evening. 

Last-minute shifts in the forecast prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning, as the biggest snowstorm in over two years hits the area.

The hazardous conditions are forecasted to impact the Tuesday morning commute. Snowfall amounts are dependent on how quickly the rain transitions to snow, which is forecasted to occur around daybreak. Winds may gust up to 40 mph.

“People have been accustomed to a fairly mild winter, so take all the necessary precautions," Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, said about this storm. "Stay tuned to your news. If you can work remotely, that's great. Make sure that our roads are clear for the plows as always.”

Hochul told Long Islanders to expect heavy, wet snow which will impact driving conditions.

“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,” Hochul said in a news 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.”

Winter Weather Preparedness 

Call PSEG Long Island at (800) 490-0075 to report an electrical outage.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving in winter weather include:

• Do not drive unless necessary
• If you must travel, 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

Additional reporting by Juan Lasso