Long Island was blanketed in snow over the weekend as the first significant snowstorm of the season struck. Several towns across Nassau and Suffolk received at least 8 inches of snow, leading to hazardous road conditions and notable flight delays at local airports.
Snowstorm Impacts Airports and Roads
The storm began late Saturday night and resulted from a fast-moving low-pressure system moving through the area. By Sunday afternoon, places like Plainedge and Farmingdale had reported 8 inches of accumulation, with Commack in Suffolk receiving 8.5 inches—the highest total in the region.
- Nassau County: Plainedge and Farmingdale – 8 inches
- Suffolk County: Commack – 8.5 inches, Dix Hills – 8.3 inches
- Other notable reports: Center Moriches and East Northport – 8.2 inches
Travelers faced delays at major airports, including John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia. As of late Sunday, arrival delays averaged 48 minutes at JFK and 1 hour and 13 minutes at LaGuardia. Departure delays were reported at both airports due to runway treatments.
Weather Warnings and Commuter Safety
The National Weather Service issued warnings for black ice and urged motorists to exercise caution during the Monday morning commute. Wind chills could make temperatures feel as low as 8 degrees below zero.
Local officials advised residents to remain indoors unless necessary. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman encouraged residents to enjoy indoor activities, emphasizing safety during the adverse weather conditions. “If you have to go out, go very slow,” he stated.
Fortunately, the Long Island Rail Road reported that most services were running on time, providing some respite for commuters. Meanwhile, local authorities deployed 150 snowplows to clear roadways.
Forecast and Future Conditions
As the storm moved east, mild weather is expected to follow. On Monday, daytime highs are predicted at 29 degrees with partly sunny skies. The snow is likely to remain on the ground into the midweek before temperatures rise to 34 degrees on Tuesday, reaching up to 51 degrees by Thursday.
This snowfall marked the first major winter weather event since a blizzard in January 2022, which significantly impacted the region. Long Island residents are advised to stay tuned for updates as conditions evolve throughout the week.
