Southampton Prepares For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, Closures, How To Prepare

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Mother Nature is set to send a major snowstorm barreling toward Long Island Sunday, with frigid temps Friday night and up to 15 inches of snow on Sunday.

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 across Long Island, he said, with widespread accumulation of 8 to 12 inches — and up to 15 inches in some spots.

The NWS said along the coast, sleet later in the evening on Sunday could add a layer of ice to the snow, as temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing.

Governor Kathy Hochul has also declared a state of emergency for all of New York.

In Southampton Town, officials are gearing up: Ryan Murphy, Southampton Town public safety and emergency management administrator said, "Nature seems to be making up for the last few years of somewhat easy winters by giving us a good dose of snow this year."

Wind chills across Long Island Friday night will make it feel as though it's minus-10 degrees, the NWS said.

Murphy said the town's paid weather service, DTN, "is still saying around 14 inches on Sunday and around 2 inches on Monday for Hampton Bays, give or take a little bit east and west of that location — currently slightly less east and more west."

Town departments and Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore have been monitoring the forecast for several days, Murphy said.

"All equipment and staff are prepped and ready to do what needs to be done to stay on top of things," he said. "As of right now, I anticipate that we will be issuing a declaration of a State of Emergency on Saturday evening ahead of the snow."

The state of emergency, he said, has been discussed with Moore, Southampton Highway Superintendent Charles McArdle, Southampton Town Police Chief James Kiernan, Southampton Town Parks Director Kristen Doulos and others involved in the snow response.

"We are all looking at the same things and share a common perspective on actions and operational plans," Murphy said. "I also plan to open the town’s emergency operations center to monitor and assist in responding to any emergent needs that arise during the storm. We have been in communications with our partners at the county and PSEG. We have open lines of emergency communication with all of them."

If the forecast holds true to prediction, Murphy said he anticipates that the town will be "strongly considering modification to normal town operations on Sunday and Monday. If the forecast remains consistent tomorrow, we may consider closure of normally open town facilities for Sunday so that all resources can be dedicated to the roadways. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for additional information and details about any delays or closures associated with the storm. Please consider signing up for weather and emergency alerts on Notify Me here. If you experience a power outage during the storm, remember that you can text OUT to 773454 to let PSEG know about the outage and receive potential updates."

Other key points and recommendations, according to Murphy, include:

— Residents are instructed to remove vehicles from the roadways to allow plows to operate effectively and unimpeded.

— Please do not attempt to drive during the snow storm if at all possible. Plan travel accordingly.

— Expect delays, closures and travel disruptions.

When shoveling snow, keep in mind the following safety tips:

— Dress for the weather

— Warm up, take it slow and stretch out before you begin

— Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

— Push the snow rather than lifting it and shovel when snow is fresh and lighter

— If you do lift snow, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel

— Lift with your legs, not your back

— Watch out for icy surfaces

— Know the signs of a heart attack and always have a phone handy. Stop immediately and call 911 if you're experiencing any signs of a heart attack; every minute counts