Snow Emergency Declared In Riverhead Town

RIVERHEAD, NY —As Kenan pummels the East End with a powerful blast of winter Saturday, a snow emergency has been declared in Riverhead Town.

According to Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar, the National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning until 7 p.m., with wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, heavy snow, rough seas and coastal flooding, especially at high tide.

An additional 7 to 9 inches is expected to fall Saturday and then, snow is expected to taper off by Saturday night, Aguiar said.

"Traveling today will be very difficult to impossible. If you can, stay home. If you have to go outside, use extreme caution. Travel should be restricted to work and emergencies," Aguiar said.

Those who must travel should have a flashlight, cellphone, blanket, snacks and water and reduce speed while driving.

Residents are asked to remove their vehicles from the street to facilitate snow plowing; Riverhead police are authorized to impound parked or abandoned vehicles left on the road during a snowstorm. Violators will be subject to fines and fees, town officials said.

In addition, residents are asked not to shovel snow into the street, as that creates a hazard for neighbors and motorists. Keep fire hydrants visible and shoveled out. Snow and ice should be removed from sidewalks in front of your property.

To report power outages, call PSEG LI at 1-800-490-0075.

Residents are asked to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and homebound.