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Long Island nor'easter winter storm preps

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Updated  January 29, 2022 6:52am EST
Long Island
FOX 5 NY

Long Island bracing for possible monster storm

The coming nor'easter could really be a monstrous storm for eastern Long Island, bringing blizzard conditions and nearly two feet of snow. FOX 5 NY took a look at how Long Islanders are getting ready.

NEW YORK - PSEG Long Island was out in full force ahead of the heavy snow and wind expected to start later on Friday night. 

"We are working 24 hours a day but the wind will be a factor. If it’s blowing more than 30 mph our trucks have to stay landed," said line worker Pete Zarcone.

Nine hundred personnel are ready to respond with additional contractors on standby. While snow and wind are difficult elements to deal with - freezing temps make it even worse.

WINTER STORM WARNING:  NY SNOW STORM HITS

"The ice weighs down the power lines and that’ll be a problem," Zarcone said.

Long Island winter storm preparations

Long Island is expected to get clobbered with some of the highest snow totals from the nor'easter set to hit the region.

Also a problem - heavy snow accumulation on the tracks of the LIRR which is expected to take the biggest hit for the MTA. Officials are preparing commuters now for a shutdown overnight.

"Our goal is to get everybody safely through the weekend and then restore morning rush hour service on Monday," said MTA chair and CEO Janno Lieber. 

Adams, NYC officials hold storm prep briefing

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other New York City officials held a press conference Friday to discuss preparations for the looming nor'easter set to hit the region.

And when it comes to travel in the short term - officials advise people to stay off the roads.

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"We’re going to be constantly assessing the roadways to make the call as soon as we need to make the roads stay open as long as they can as long as they’re safe," said commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez with the NYS DOT. 

The timing of the storm is critical and the dig out may take days. 

"You can be certain because of the conditions, the cleanup is going to take some time," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.