Supervisor Declares ‘Snow Emergency’

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Pictured above is New York Avenue during a snow storm last year. Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone has declared a snow emergency for Thursday, ahead of what’s expected to be major snowfall for the region.

Ahead of what’s predicted to be a blizzard that could drop 8-12 inches of snow across Suffolk tomorrow morning, Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone has declared that an official snow emergency will be declared across the township at 12:01 a.m.

“All of the forecasts indicate that this storm will include a significant snowfall, with the snow falling at a considerable rate for a good part of the day Thursday,” Petrone said in a news release. “Residents should stay off the roads, and make sure to park their cars off the streets to facilitate plowing and access for emergency vehicles.”

Under a snow emergency, the supervisor has the power to close roads, appropriate necessary equipment from all sources and make necessary purchases without following the usual procedures. The declaration also makes available to the Town of Huntington Highway Department equipment and personnel to assist highway department crews.

All activities and scheduled meetings at town facilities have been cancelled.

The cancelled activities and closed facilities include the Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals meeting and Parking Violations Court, which were both scheduled for Thursday evening; the Village Green Senior Center and Senior Beach House at Centerport Beach; all activities at the Dix Hills Ice Rink, Parks Department programs at local schools and at Coindre Hall; and all Youth Bureau programs.

Huntington Town Hall will have a delayed opening at 10 a.m.

Thursday residential trash collection is cancelled. Commercial pickups are still scheduled for businesses in Huntington village and Huntington Station that have evening curbside collection. But business owners should check the town’s website, Facebook page or Twitter feed for updates.

HART Bus paratransit service is also cancelled. Residents can check the town’s website or social media for fixed route service information.

To report an emergency, call 631-351-3234. To contact the highway department, call 631-499-0444, 631-351-3075 or 631-351-3076. The highway department can also be reached online via the town’s website, Huntingtonny.gov, or by emailing highway@huntingtonny.gov.

Petrone also advised residents to check the Town’s website, Facebook page, Twitter feed or government access channels 18 on Cablevision or 38 on Verizon FIOS for updates.

-ANDREW WROBLEWSKI