A winter storm emergency has been declared in Riverhead ahead of a storm expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to the area Sunday and Monday, the town said in a press release issued last night.

The National Weather Service this morning issued a blizzard warning for Long Island and the New York metro region, in advance of a major winter storm forecast to bring total snow accumulations of 13 to 18 inches, with wind gusts as high as 55 mph.

A deepening low off the Mid-Atlantic coast Sunday will move northeast to a point near the 40N..70W benchmark Monday, a track favorable to the development of a major snow storm, according to the National Weather Service. The low is forecast to undergo “explosive deepening” as it tracks to the northeast, with pressure dropping to around 970 mb as it approaches the benchmark Monday morning, NWS forecasters said.

Riverhead Supervisor Jerry Halpin yesterday afternoon declared a winter storm event and state of emergency to take effect at 9 p.m. Saturday.

The emergency order prohibits parking on either side of any roadway during the storm event. Residents must remove vehicles from streets by 9 p.m. Saturday so that snow plows can operate effectively. Riverhead Town Code authorizes the Riverhead Police Department to impound parked or abandoned vehicles that affect roadways during a snowstorm, officials said.

Whiteout conditions are expected during the storm and will make travel treacherous and potentially life threatening, Riverhead Police said in an advisory Saturday morning. Travel is not suggested, police said.

The combination of gusty winds and heavy, wet snow could bring down tree branches, according to the advisory.

PSEG Long Island said it is prepared for the storm, with personnel ready to respond safely and as quickly as possible throughout.

The utility reminds all residents that downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay as far away as possible from them, and do not drive over or stand near them, PSEG-LI said. To report a downed wire, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number at 800-490-0075 or call 911.

Electric current passes easily through water or wet snow, the utility said. If you encounter a pool of slush or standing water, stop, back up and choose another path, it said.

Source: RiverheadLOCAL