Long Beach declares snow emergency

The city issued a snow emergency on Friday as it prepares for the first major snowstorm of the year, which could dump a foot of snow on the area and potentially cause coastal flooding. The snow emergency takes effect at midnight on Friday, to allow for proper snow removal operations.

On Friday, the National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning from 4 a.m. on Saturday through 1 p.m. on Sunday. The nor’easter-like conditions could drop 8 to 12 inches of snow in Long Beach, with northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph and wind gusts up to 50 mph and temperatures in the low 30s.

It could also wreak havoc for drivers, with the NWS warning that visibility will be a quarter-mile or less at times.

“Extremely dangerous travel due to heavy snowfall and strong winds with whiteout conditions likely,” the NWS said. “Secondary and tertiary road may become impassable. Strong winds may down power lines and tree limbs.”

AccuWeather reports that the approaching full moon will cause high astronomical tides around the days where the storm will be near the coast, elevating the coastal flooding risk.

City officials said that its snow-removal vehicles and salt and sand spreaders are ready to roll when snow starts to fall; plowing begins when 3 inches of snow has accumulated.

“The city has scheduled internal preparation response meetings with various department heads,” Gordon Tepper, the city’s director of communications, told the Herald on Tuesday. “Residents can find our snow preparedness bulletin on the city’s website with detailed information on what to do in the event of a snow emergency.”

"There will be a full moon high tide, enhancing the potential for coastal flooding, particularly on the north side of our city in typically flooding hotspots," City Manager Jack Schnirman said on the city's website. "High winds will provide an additional challenge in the form of blowing snow. Public Works crews will be out throughout the weekend to clear our roads and check on our drainage system. We have a full supply of salt and sand on hand along with more snow removal equipment than ever before."

As the city continues to monitor the incoming storm, Schnirman added that the city is coordinating with all levels of government.

The following roadways are the declared snow emergency routes and will be cleared of vehicles and snow, beginning Saturday, Jan. 23 at 12 a.m.:

• West Beech St. between New York Ave. and Nevada St.
• West Park Ave. between New York Ave. and Nevada St.
• The West side of Maryland Ave. between Beech St. and Park Ave.
• Shore Rd. between Long Beach Rd. and Maple Blvd.
• E. Pine St. between Neptune Blvd. and Curly St.
• Park Place north of Park Ave.       
• Lincoln Blvd., from Park Ave. to East Bay Drive & East Bay Drive, from Lincoln Blvd. to Monroe Blvd.

"Due to expected blizzard conditions, we are asking you to stay off the roads on Saturday. Please do all of your errands today, and this evening, so you can stay off the roads tomorrow," Schnirman said.

All city recreation programs & facilities have been canceled for Saturday.

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said there is a about to be "blizzard-like conditions," but the county is ready with 100 plows and spreaders and has 28,000 tons of salt and 3,600 tons of sand.

"We will prepare for the worst and hope for the best," Mangano said, adding that the county will brine its roads to hopefully avoid icing.