Winter Storm Emergency Declared In Riverhead

RIVERHEAD, NY — Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter has declared a winter storm emergency Thursday, beginning at 6 a.m. and continuing for the next 24 hours.

The declaration means that all cars need to be off the roads to facilitate plowing; all Riverhead Town departments may take whatever steps are necessary to protect life and property and public infrastructure, and to perform other such emergency assistance as deemed necessary.

A statement issued by the town reminded that the National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the area until 6 p.m. Thursday night.

Rain/freezing rain began early Thursday morning and changed over to heavy wet snow before 8 a.m. Later, the snow will become powdery as temperatures fall quickly into the 20s; accumulations are predicted to hit the 12 to 19 inch range, with the higher end of that range expected further east, the release said.

Winds will be out of the north at 25 to 35 miles per hour with some gusts up to 50 miles per hours.

"Driving conditions will deteriorate during the day Thursday due to whiteout conditions and blowing and drifting snow. Do not plan on driving later today, travel will become extremely hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and call the police. Power outages from downed trees and power lines are possible. Remember, stay away from all power lines treating them as energized," the release said.

Residents are asked not to shovel snow into the street; doing so only creates a hazard for neighbors and motorists.

If there is a fire department by your home, please make sure it is visible and shoveled out. Residents are asked to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their property.

Residents are asked to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and homebound, and not to forget pets — make sure they are brought inside or have shelter.

Garbage collection started an hour earlier Thursday.

Closures

Town Hall is closed in Riverhead Thursday.

Schools are closed in Riverhead Thursday.

Riverhead Justice Court is closed Thursday.

Numbers to call

In case of an emergency, dial 911 or call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500.

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

For winter safety tips, go to:

FEMA

National Weather Service

NYS Homeland Security

American Red Cross

If you have snow closures or cancellations, please email them to Lisa.Finn@Patch.com.