LI's 2 Police Depts Logged In 155 Crashes In Friday's Snow Storm

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island's two major police departments responded to 155 crashes during Friday's snow storm.

Nassau County police responded to 67 crashes up until about 12 p.m., Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun said. Suffolk County police responded to 88 crashes from about 2 to 11 a.m., but none were serious, a Suffolk police spokesman said.

New York State troopers responded to dozens of crashes, but no serious injuries were reported.

At a news briefing on the storm, Suffolk police Commissioner Rodney Harrison advised residents to stay at home if the option is available.

As far as the response goes, the department has three motor carrier vehicles assigned to the expressway, all of its traffic saftey officers will be out to help with disabled vehicles, and the seven precincts have humvees at the ready that can be deployed in an emergency, and the emergency services unit will also be available to help with downed power lines, Harrison said.

Residents should use the 311 system, so that they can be better served, according to Harrison.

He said that the county's Emergency Operations Center in Yaphank is open, adding, "and like we always do, we will find a way to get through this."

"If you don't have to go on the road, please stay home. If you do, please drive carefully," he said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told Newsday that he was relieved the storm was a not a significant wind event and "it’s very manageable and under control."

He also urged residents to check on neighbors and homebound seniors.

"This is a time for us all to be concerned about people in our community," he added.