UPDATE: ‘Major winter storm event’ to close in on Suffolk 2 p.m. Wednesday

Suffolk County, town and village officials are staying vigilant as Winter Storm Gail begins to taper off Thursday afternoon. Suffolk County executive Steve Bellone said at a press conference Thursday morning that DPW will be out clearing roadways throughout the day.

“If you are not an essential worker, and you do not need to be out on the roadways, stay clear. Let the plow-operators do their work now,” Bellone said.

Since the storm was accompanied by high winds up to 40 mph, power outages were a concern. As of Thursday morning, there were roughly 2,000 power outages across Suffolk. PSEG is working to address those outages, Bellone said.

Brightwaters Village mayor John Valdini said Dec. 17 that the Brightwaters Highway Department worked throughout night to clear main and side roads in the village. The crew of six finished plowing roads at 10 a.m. this morning. Additional staff may return later to ensure that street corners are passable, Valdini said.

Approximately six inches of snow was reported in Islip hamlet as of 7 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service Office of Observations.

Islip Town-operated preschool, after-school programs and senior transportation services have been cancelled Dec. 17 due to inclimate weather.

Yesterday, Dec. 16, Islip Town officials gathered at the Department of Public Works Central Islip yard for a press conference in preparation of the storm.

DPW crews were working early Tuesday to salt roads. Approximately 500 pieces of equipment have been prepped and fueled, should they need to be deployed to plow the Town’s 1,200 miles of roadway.

Town supervisor Angie Carpenter said storm preparation is a team effort in Islip Town.

"Our Office of Emergency Management is fully staffed. Park rangers will monitor flooding in low-lying areas and will be working around the clock with DPW, who has the support of Public Safety, DEC, Waste Management and Parks,” Carpenter said. “All crews will be following CDC guidelines to keep themselves and the public safe.”

Town officials urged residents to move cars off the road and into driveways or, if necessary, onto their front lawn, so that plows can clear the roads efficiently and safely.

Residents were also asked to secure lawn furniture, barbeques and remove recreational equipment from roadways. Restaurant owners were encouraged to secure outdoor tents and dining furniture.