The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for our region (updated as of 4:40 AM) for heavy snowfall and high winds. Snowfall amounts of 18 to 24 inches are possible, with winds gusting as high as 60 mph. Whiteout conditions are likely at times.
[Updated with possible new snowfall totals.]
The Town of Shelter Island has declared a snow emergency from 7 PM Friday through 7 PM Saturday; keep off the roads to allow Highway Department crews to plow and emergency and utility personnel to respond as required. Read the declaration here.
The blizzard warning is in effect from 7 PM Friday through 7 PM Saturday. It is likely our area will see 12 to 18 inches of snow. But confidence in the storm forecast is increasing, the NWS says, with higher snowfall totals becoming more likely.
Snowfall is expected to continue through Saturday. Temperatures will drop into the teens with wind chill values below zero. Snow may fall at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour at times.
On Sunday, the NWS predicts clearing skies with a high temperature near 27 and blustery 14 to 21 mph winds.
Impacts from minor to moderate coastal flooding are expected at high tides on Saturday and Sunday, with waters in the Long Island Sound and bays 1 to 2 feet above normal.
Under gale conditions, wave ocean wave heights of 10 to 15 feet are possible, and 4 to 6 feet in the Long Island Sound and bay waters on the East End.
Town shelter is ready if needed
Shelter Island Police Chief James J. Read said PSEG will station utility crews on the Island to respond to power outages and other electric utility issues. In addition, Shelter Island Highway Department, EMS, and Fire Department crews are on standby to handle emergencies.
If power outages occur and PSEG assesses them as potentially long-lasting, Cheif Read says the Town is ready to open an emergency shelter. SIFD personnel will assist those in need of transport in getting to the shelter. In addition, the SIPD’s animal control officer is on standby to assist with transporting pets should the need for shelter materialize.
Contact PSEG to report outages
Chief Read requests Islanders report power outages directly to PSEG at 1-800-490-0075. Report downed tree limbs or wires and other hazards to the police department. Call 911 to reach the emergency dispatchers; the non-emergency number is 631-749-0600.
Other ways to contact PSEG:
- Get the PSEG mobile app to report an outage, get updates on the MyPower Map online from a computer (no log-in is required)
- Text REGISTER to PSEGLI (773454) to manage outages by text. Text OUT to report and outage and PSEG will text back with updates
- Follow PSEGLI on Facebook or Twitter for storm updates and report outages weekdays 7 AM to 11 PM; weekends 9 AM to 6 PM
- For storm tips, go to the PSEG outages page
