Winter Storm Watch For Smithtown: Heavy Snow, Dangerous Cold Expected

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown is preparing for a major winter storm expected to impact the region beginning late Saturday and continuing through Monday afternoon.

According to town officials, the US National Weather Service New York has issued a Cold Weather Advisory, in effect from 10 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday, as well as a Winter Storm Watch for late Saturday night through Monday afternoon, for all of Suffolk County.

Forecasters said freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills are expected from Friday night into Saturday, with wind chills potentially dropping to 10 degrees below zero.

Heavy snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches are anticipated across Smithtown, with the potential for higher totals in some areas. Along the coast, snow may mix with or change to sleet Sunday evening, which could reduce totals to the lower end of the forecast range, officials said.

Snow is expected to begin late Saturday night and continue through Monday afternoon.

Town officials said multiple departments are working in close coordination ahead of the storm, including the Highway Department, Department of Parks, Buildings & Grounds, and Department of Public Safety.

Highway Superintendent Robert Murphy and Parks Director Joe Arico have mobilized crews and equipment to ensure town roadways, municipal facilities, and public spaces remain safe and accessible.

The Highway Department has issued a call for private snowplow contractors. Interested contractors can contact the department at 631-360-7500.

Road crews will be brining and pretreating roadways and sidewalks using a beet-juice brine solution to help prevent icing before the storm arrives. Snow removal operations will continue throughout the storm as conditions require.

The Department of Public Safety is completing routine storm preparedness, with officials closely monitoring the storm’s track. Town officials said the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) could be activated if conditions warrant.

Public Safety is also coordinating with Suffolk County agencies and PSEG Long Island in anticipation of possible power outages.

The Department of Parks, Buildings & Grounds has staged snow-removal equipment, fueled generators and snow blowers, stocked fuel supplies, and finalized coordination with Highway and Public Safety teams to ensure a unified response.

Town officials are advising residents to avoid travel from Sunday into Monday whenever possible, so that emergency vehicles and road crews can operate more safely and efficiently.

Residents are also asked to keep vehicles off curbside areas, particularly on residential streets, so plows can clear roads quickly while minimizing damage to driveways, curbs, and mailboxes. Waste bins, brush, and leaf bags should also be removed from curbs.

If travel is unavoidable, residents are advised to drive slowly, ensure vehicles are winterized, and carry a winter storm kit including blankets, warm clothing, water, a flashlight, a shovel, and a first-aid kit. Those who become stranded are advised to remain with their vehicle and contact authorities for help.

Fire marshals warned residents using generators to keep exhaust facing outward and at least 20 feet away from buildings to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Generators and grills should never be used indoors.

Residents can receive updates through the Town of Smithtown Mobile App, available on Google Play and the App Store. The town has also compiled storm-related resources, including information on cleanup, power outages, and emergency contacts.