Port Washington Prepares For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — With an impending snowfall to hit Long Island this weekend, Port Washington is doing all it can to best prepare, Port Washington officials said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency across New York in preparation for the snowstorm. Supervisor Jennifer DeSena has declared a State of Emergency for the Town of North Hempstead, but she said she wants residents to remain calm.

"There is no reason to panic," DeSena said. "It sounds scary, but it’s not uncommon in local or state governments to enlist some extra assistance out of an abundance of caution for our residents. Just because we’re in a state of emergency doesn’t mean you should be.

She said residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors and to stay informed by monitoring official Town of North Hempstead communications.

According to Matt Wunsch, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office in Upton, snow is expected to begin early Sunday morning and intensify very progressively throughout the day, with 1 to 2 inches of snowfall per hour expected Sunday afternoon. Moderate to potentially heavy snow will continue into the evening, he said, with widespread accumulation of 8 to 12 inches— and up to 15 inches in some spots.

DeSena is urging residents to ensure they have essentials taken care of before snow falls.

"Before you settle in for the wintery weekend, make sure you have enough non-perishable food, water, and toiletries, as well as emergency supplies, like first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, and any necessary medications," she told Patch.

DeSena also requested all Town of North Hempstead residents to park their cars in their driveways during the storm and for several hours afterwards. This will help their plowing and highways teams fully clear out the snow and ice, as well as emergency services with unimpeded access to roadways, she said.

Officials said the highways team has decided against using a brine solution for this storm due to the extreme cold temperatures. DeSena said the Town's teams will be on standby to help residents through the storm.

"As always, our teams will be salting the roads, plowing the streets, removing debris, and keeping their eyes and ears out for residents requesting assistance through our 311 Call Center," she said. "No matter where you are or when you need it, the best helpers in Nassau County are always one phone call away."

In regard to keeping residents in the loop, DeSena said they will be providing regular updates and guidance throughout the weekend on their social channels, including their Facebook page.