Long Island

February snow storm

A man struck by a <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Rail_Road">Long Island Rail Road</a> train early Thursday at the Copiague station has died, railroad officials said. 
The man, whose identity was not known, died at <a href="/topics/Nassau_University_Medical_Center">Nassau University Medical Center</a>, railroad spokesman Sam Zambuto said. It is unclear how he ended up on the tracks or if the incident was storm-related. 
He was struck at about 12:50 a.m. near the west end of the platform by the eastbound 11:36 p.m. train from Penn Station, railroad spokesman Rich Mendelson said. 
The accident delayed the 12:56 a.m. train from <a href="/topics/Babylon%2C_NY">Babylon</a> to Penn Station and the 1:36 a.m. train from <a href="/topics/Babylon%2C_NY">Babylon</a> to Penn. Those customers were accommodated on the 2:51 a.m. train to Penn Station, officials said. 
The railroad reported other delays Thursday. It was not clear how many were related to weather. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
At the <a href="/topics/Jamaica%2C_NY">Jamaica</a> LIRR station in <a href="/topics/Queens%2C_NY">Queens</a>, trains appeared to be running fairly promptly. But for Paola Groneverb, 40, a delayed train from her hometown of <a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a> meant that she missed her connection to a <a href="/topics/Hewlett%2C_NY">Hewlett</a>-bound train to her job in the fashion industry. 
"Usually, I take the 8 a.m. train in <a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a> and transfer right away to <a href="/topics/Hewlett%2C_NY">Hewlett</a>" at the <a href="/topics/Jamaica%2C_NY">Jamaica</a> station. She had to wait at least 30 minutes for the next train. 
Sue Ping, a nurse from <a href="/topics/Holbrook%2C_NY">Holbrook</a>, had a similar problem when she missed her connection with a <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a>-bound train. 
"Usually, I catch the 8:37 a.m.," she said while waiting for the 9:30 a.m. train. 
With Sophia Chang

Nassau

LILIRR12

Man struck by train at Copiague LIRR station dies

liSNOW

The Long Island Rail Road learned from its mistakes in dealing with the region's December snowstorm, and stepped up its game in a big way during this week's near-blizzard, railroad officials and riders' advocates said Thursday. 
A wide-reaching campaign to let commuters know that service could be suspended if weather conditions got too rough, combined with a concerted effort to add more trains in the afternoon, added up to a solid strategy to minimize the storm's impacts on riders, officials said. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
The strategy seemed to work, as the majority of LIRR commuters made it back to their origins to their stations before the usual evening rush hour, many taking advantage of 13 extra eastbound trains Wednesday afternoon. To keep a head count, LIRR deployed workers to Penn Station with "clickers" to count the number of commuters who arrived in the morning, and the number who departed in the afternoon. 
When the storm intensified and the LIRR did see scattered delays and unscheduled cancellations late Wednesday night, the trains were largely empty, LIRR spokesman Joe Calderone said. 
No figures were available Thursday on the cost of the LIRR's snow-response effort. A <a href="/topics/Metropolitan_Transportation_Authority">Metropolitan Transportation Authority</a> spokesman said agencies' snow budgets are determined by average annual snowfall, and as that average has not been exceeded, the MTA is within its budget. 
"Everything was fine," said Travis Greene, a civilian NYPD employee who took a late Wednesday night train from Penn Station to <a href="/topics/Far_Rockaway%2C_NY">Far Rockaway</a>, and encountered no problems. 
"Clearly, we got the word out successfully and people heeded our advice," Calderone said. "I think it showed that when you tell customers in advance what you're going to do, that it's of great value." 
LIRR Commuter Council chairwoman Maureen Michaels said the LIRR's approach to Wednesday's storm was a "significant departure" from past instances, when the railroad chose to be reactive rather proactive. 
"They did a really good job," said Michael, who criticized the LIRR for not sufficiently communicating with customers during a Dec. 19-20 storm that caused widespread delays and stranded 150 passengers on one <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a>-bound train for three hours without power or working toilets. 
But it was a different story this time, Michaels said. "I got the impression that they had all the right personnel in place, making decisions, and that they had planned going into the storm for what to do," she added. 
Michaels said the single most effective part of the LIRR's stepped-up snow plan may have been the advance warning that service could be suspended when snow accumulation on tracks reached 10 to 13 inches or more - the height at which it could interfere with trains' contact with the electrified third rail. 
The LIRR never had to suspend any service Wednesday, but Michaels said the message resonated with commuters. 
"Everybody who heard that remembered it," Michaels said. "The public knew at 10 inches, things are going to get dicey. And the railroad let us know this." 
Michaels said the LIRR kept riders informed of their plans throughout the day through regular e-mail alerts and station announcements. 
Equally impressive were the railroad's on-the-ground operations, Michaels said. The railroad's diligence in clearing snow, protecting switches and preventing icing minimized service disruptions, she said. 
Anthony Simon, general chairman of the United Transportation Union, which represents LIRR conductors, said Wednesday's storm showcased the railroad's labor force at its best. 
"Yesterday [Wednesday] showed exactly what we're all about," said Simon, who is leading a rally Friday in <a href="/topics/Babylon%2C_NY">Babylon</a> of railroad workers opposing the MTA's planned service cuts and possible layoffs. "We take the public to and from work safely, and we take pride in that." 
Those planned service cuts and layoffs are in response to an ever-widening MTA budget deficit. Some transit officials said Wednesday's storm may only have worsened the agency's financial picture. 
In addition to the large overtime accrued by having crews work around the clock to keep service running, drops in ridership of more than 40 percent throughout the MTA hurt fare revenue, as did the small number of vehicles traveling through MTA toll crossings, MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan said. 
With Sophia Chang

LIRAIL12.WEB

LIRR officials: Storm strategy a success

Commuters

The snowstorm that virtually paralyzed Long Island Wednesday has local officials digging deep into their pockets to pay for road clearing, even as more snowfall may be on the horizon. 
<a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> County allocated a snow removal budget of $2.7 million for 2010, but had to borrow some money from that pot to help cover the cost of December's blizzard, a $1.7-million storm for the county. 
County spokesman Mark Smith said the price tag for Wednesday's daylong storm will be roughly $1.1 million, leaving only $200,000 to $300,000 in <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a>'s snow removal budget for the year. 
Smith and other officials with slim operating margins in their snow budgets said the public shouldn't worry. If a government blows its snow budget, ways are always found to pay for needed road clearing. 
"You've got to have the roads safe," said Glenn Jorgensen, Smithtown's highway superintendent, "so expense really is not the bottom line." 
Jorgensen and other officials are still tallying the cost of the storm, but it appeared clear Thursday that for most governments the numbers won't match those of the December blizzard, which struck on a weekend and required that heavy overtime be paid. 
In <a href="/topics/Oyster_Bay%2C_NY">Oyster Bay</a>, a "very, very rough" cost estimate for this week's storm is $500,000, said town spokeswoman Marta Kane. Because a full day of plowing took place during regular work hours, Kane said <a href="/topics/Oyster_Bay%2C_NY">Oyster Bay</a> expects to spend less than the $522,000 the December blizzard cost. 
With overtime a key escalator of the cleanup cost after snowstorms, officials are watching the possible development of a weather system that could bring snow to the Island on Monday, Presidents Day, on which workers would get overtime. 
"If we could time these things, it would be better for everybody," Kane said. "Mother Nature has her own ideas." 
Fortunately, <a href="/topics/Oyster_Bay%2C_NY">Oyster Bay</a> and many other towns on the Island have robust snow removal budgets this early in a new year. Before Wednesday's storm, <a href="/topics/Oyster_Bay%2C_NY">Oyster Bay</a>, for instance, had about $1.5 million, <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> $2.2 million and <a href="/topics/Islip%2C_NY">Islip</a> $850,000. 
Combining reserve funds and its snow budget, <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> reported having $3.2 million on hand this year for storm cleanup before Wednesday's snowfall. Town spokesman A.J. Carter said the recent storm will be expensive, but he did not expect the cost to exceed the $800,000 spent digging out from the December blizzard. 
Apparently, not all governments are affected in the same way. 
<a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> County said it spent nearly $900,000 on the recent storm, but only $440,000 on the December blizzard. The reason? A spokeswoman said it took longer for workers to clean up because they had to contend with rush-hour traffic. 
<a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> reported having more than $1 million remaining in its snow budget for 2010.

LISNOW12

Snowstorm has LI officials digging their pockets

coffee break

Long Islanders woke Thursday to the aftermath of a snowstorm that dropped more than 16 inches in some areas, but found that other than some downed trees, power outages and sidewalks and driveways to shovel, the situation was much better than expected. 
Most major roads were well-plowed, many to the asphalt, though some secondary roads in <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> and <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> still needed work. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
"The timing of the storm and the intensity pretty much worked out as forecast," said meteorologist Peter Wichrowski of the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> in <a href="/topics/Upton%2C_NY">Upton</a>. 
"I think obviously, when you're pretty well prepared and you do get some lead time like we got with this storm, it's going to help with preparations - and that will help you deal with it. I think this storm ended up being well-predicted." 
Trains started out on time Thursday, but some delays were reported as the morning commute got under way. 
The storm played a role in more than 200 car accidents Wednesday, most of them minor fender-benders, and forced the cancellation of all 30 scheduled flights at Long Island-MacArthur Airport, as well as more than 700 flights at LaGuardia and what officials called "hundreds more" at Kennedy. 
Schools and businesses closed. The railroad threatened to shut down the system if the Island got hit with more than 10 inches of snow - but instead moved rush hour up an hour as many commuters left work early or stayed home. 
But overnight, many municipal agencies went to work, with emergency road crews plowing streets and digging out. 
And Thursday morning, the sun was out - and forecasters are now predicting sunny skies until Monday. 
The weather service said <a href="/topics/Woodmere%2C_NY">Woodmere</a> received the most snow on Long Island, with 16.4 inches, while <a href="/topics/Holbrook%2C_NY">Holbrook</a> and <a href="/topics/Mount_Sinai%2C_NY">Mount Sinai</a> were the hardest hit in <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> with 15.4. 
<a href="/topics/Floral_Park%2C_NY">Floral Park</a> got 16.1 inches, <a href="/topics/Rocky_Point%2C_NY">Rocky Point</a> 15.2, <a href="/topics/North_Babylon%2C_NY">North Babylon</a> 15, <a href="/topics/Commack%2C_NY">Commack</a> 14.7, <a href="/topics/Smithtown%2C_NY">Smithtown</a> 14.5, <a href="/topics/Malverne%2C_NY">Malverne</a> and <a href="/topics/Valley_Stream%2C_NY">Valley Stream</a> 14 inches each. 
Most areas got at least 10 inches, though places like <a href="/topics/East_Meadow%2C_NY">East Meadow</a> and <a href="/topics/Hampton_Bays%2C_NY">Hampton Bays</a>, with 7 inches each, and Seaford, with 6.9, got off easier. 
Meanwhile, the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Power_Authority">Long Island Power Authority</a> reported that as of 7 a.m., 828 customers were without power, most because of downed lines. 
The hardest hit area was <a href="/topics/Old_Bethpage%2C_NY">Old Bethpage</a> with 145 outages, while <a href="/topics/North_Wantagh%2C_NY">North Wantagh</a> had 109. The were 72 customers without service in Searingtown, 59 in <a href="/topics/Brentwood%2C_NY">Brentwood</a>, 51 in <a href="/topics/Port_Washington%2C_NY">Port Washington</a>, 40 in <a href="/topics/St._James%2C_NY">St. James</a> and 26 in <a href="/topics/Woodmere%2C_NY">Woodmere</a>. Emergency crews were working to restore power. 
The state Department of Transportation reported several overnight accidents that briefly closed roads, among them a jackknifed tractor-trailer that closed the <a href="/topics/Seaford-Oyster_Bay_Expressway%2C_NY">Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway</a> between Exit 9, <a href="/topics/Plainview%2C_NY">Plainview</a> Road, and Exit 10, Old Country Road, and a crash that closed lanes on the <a href="/topics/Northern_State_Parkway%2C_NY">Northern State Parkway</a> at Sunnyside Boulevard in <a href="/topics/Plainview%2C_NY">Plainview</a>. 
Downed trees closed the Wantagh State Parkway at the <a href="/topics/Southern_State_Parkway%2C_NY">Southern State Parkway</a> and Route 25 in <a href="/topics/Smithtown%2C_NY">Smithtown</a> for several hours. But officials said both were cleared and the roads reopened by 6:30 a.m. 
About the worst of it to be found Thursday morning were side streets that hadn't been adequately plowed or where gusting overnight winds had blown snow back onto the pavement. 
The Long Island Expressway had rough patches in the area known as "The Valley" between Exit 39 and Exit 40 in <a href="/topics/East_Hills%2C_NY">East Hills</a> and Old Westbury. And commuters reported some railroad platforms in Bethpage and <a href="/topics/Farmingdale%2C_NY">Farmingdale</a> had not been adequately shoveled and remained slippery by daybreak. Some commuters waited for trains in ankle-deep snow. 
But otherwise? 
"It looks like we're going to have dry weather now for the next few days into the weekend," Wichrowski said. 
Remember just last week, <a href="/topics/Holbrook%2C_NY">Holbrook</a> Hal and <a href="/topics/Malverne%2C_NY">Malverne</a> Mel, groundhogs from two areas of Long Island hardest hit by Wednesday's storm, predicted that we've still got a few more weeks of winter left. 
And forecasters are saying that come <a href="/topics/Presidents_Day">Presidents Day</a> on Monday, Long Island could get another storm - and more snowfall. "There are some indications," Wichrowski said. Of course, he noted, it also could pass just to our south - and we could get little or no snow at all.

LIWEAT12

LIers dig out after storm drops 16 inches of snow

Was it the Blizzard of 2010 - or just a bad winter storm? 
Meteorologists say that question is still open to debate and that they'll spend the day reviewing the data to see if Wednesday's storm meets all the criteria. 
"It had the elements to be a blizzard," Tim Morrin, observation program leader for the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> in <a href="/topics/Upton%2C_NY">Upton</a> said Thursday. 
He added: "But we don't have numbers screaming at us that it's a blizzard, though we did verify blizzard conditions at times." 
To be classified a blizzard, a winter storm must have snow, whiteout conditions that limit visibility to less than a quarter-mile and wind gusts of at least 35 mph. Those conditions must be sustained for at least three hours. 
The question right now, Morrin said, is whether the conditions lasted three hours. 
A verification team will review observations from around <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>. 
"We should probably know later today [Thursday]," Morrin said. "We know we had the elements. We just don't know if we sustained them for the required amount of time." 
A winter storm must have an average snowfall of 6 inches, Morrin said. "It was a slam-dunk winter storm. We easily met the criteria for that." 
<a href="/topics/Woodmere%2C_NY">Woodmere</a> received the highest snowfall total in <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> and <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> with 16.4 inches, while <a href="/topics/Floral_Park%2C_NY">Floral Park</a> got 16.1. <a href="/topics/Holbrook%2C_NY">Holbrook</a> and <a href="/topics/Mount_Sinai%2C_NY">Mount Sinai</a> got 15.4 inches. <a href="/topics/Rocky_Point%2C_NY">Rocky Point</a> got 15.2 inches, while <a href="/topics/North_Babylon%2C_NY">North Babylon</a> and <a href="/topics/Port_Jefferson%2C_NY">Port Jefferson</a> each got 15. 
"It was absolutely a remarkable winter storm," Morrin said. "It really was."

LIBLIZ12

Was it officially a blizzard? Jury's still out

I awoke this morning to a beautiful winter wonderland outside my door. But the row of Leland cypresses along the east side of my property would beg to differ. They clearly were suffering. 
Look at how all the branches are pointing downward, buckling under the weight of the 16 inches of snow that fell over the past 24 hours. And that sorry looking one in the center of the row is down on its knees, as if it's bowing before royalty. 
It's extremely important to get out there as soon as possible and gently brush off the snow with a broom. Otherwise, trees -- especially the super-vulnerable Arborvitaes -- may never regain their posture. Branches might even break. 
I was on my way in to work this morning when I took this picture, with no time for the task. But my kids will be in for a rude awakening --- literally, as they're sleeping in on their second snow day -- when I call them in about an hour to send them out there with brooms. 
Photo by Jessica Damiano

Things to Do

Saving trees from snow damage

ny-snowtree-pic

Thousands of Long Islanders started the commute to work Thursday after a major storm left up to 16 inches of snow on the ground. 
Commuters found major highways plowed but with instances of sudden congestions, with four lanes reduced to two or blowing snow slowing traffic. 
Many secondary roads have not yet been plowed -- for some Long Islanders, the toughest part of the commute was just getting out of their neighborhood. 
One accident was reported early Thursday on the <a href="/topics/Northern_State_Parkway%2C_NY">Northern State Parkway</a> near Manetto Hill Road. The right lane was closed. Another crash on the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Expressway%2C_NY">Long Island Expressway</a> between Little Neck Parkway and Lakeville Road has been cleared. 
LIVE: <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> Traffic snarls, cameras</a> 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
On Wednesday, Long Islanders for the most part stayed home. 
Listening to warnings of a massive nor'easter, hundreds of thousands of people stayed off the roads and in their houses, hundreds of schools closed down, businesses dismissed employees early, and the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Rail_Road">Long Island Rail Road</a> successfully transported thousands of commuters eastward before evening fell. 
Yet the predicted blizzard packed less of a wallop than expected. Make no mistake - it was messy and ugly out there. But the snowfall -- 8 to 15 inches for <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> and <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> counties as of about 10 p.m., with some accumulation expected overnight -- was less than feared, the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> said. Wednesday night, weather officials were still trying to determine whether the storm's precipitation, wind and visibility qualified it as a blizzard. 
Despite the less-than-expected snowfall, public agencies leaped into action to handle the fallout. Here's some of what happened Wednesday, and how Thursday looks: 
<h5>ROADS</h5> 
Town officials said they expect roads to be clear this morning, and Island snow fighters vowed to plow through the night to get the job done. 
"We're looking to have every road plowed by tomorrow morning for a safe commute," said <a href="/topics/John_Byrne">John Byrne</a>, deputy highway superintendent in <a href="/topics/Brookhaven%2C_NY">Brookhaven</a>. "That our goal." 
The storm brought dangerous driving conditions to roads and fouled commutes Wednesday, but its timing in some ways could not have been better for town officials responsible for salting, sanding and plowing. 
It's a new year and government snow removal budgets are flush. Also, a good chunk of the snow fell during normal working hours, so towns did not have to pay crews as much overtime as they did in late December when a blizzard walloped the Island on a weekend. 
- Will Van Sant 
<h5>EMERGENCY SERVICES</h5> 
Despite the lack of traffic, crashes piled up beginning shortly after the snowfall began. 
As of 4:45 p.m. Wednesday in Nassau County, there were 142 accidents, a county police spokesman said. During a typical day, there might be 120 or so. 
"Keep in mind," Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone said, "that a lot of people stayed home today, so traffic was much lighter than a typical weekday." 
On the roadways patrolled by the State Police - such as the <a href="/topics/Northern_State_Parkway%2C_NY">Northern State Parkway</a> and the Sagtikos State Parkway - there were 91 reported accidents. A typical day might see 10 or 15, said a spokesman, State Trooper Frank Bandiero. 
- Matthew Chayes 
<h5>GOVERNMENT AND SCHOOLS</h5> 
Most county and town governments across Long Island remained open Wednesday and said they planned to be open Thursday, though some cautioned they were tracking the intensity of the storm overnight. 
Most school superintendents, meanwhile, had not decided Wednesday night whether to open Thursday or to go with a delayed schedule. 
Hempstead, <a href="/topics/North_Hempstead%2C_NY">North Hempstead</a>, <a href="/topics/Islip%2C_NY">Islip</a> and <a href="/topics/Brookhaven%2C_NY">Brookhaven</a> said the doors to town halls will be open Thursday. 
"Today [Wednesday] is the main problem," said <a href="/topics/North_Hempstead%2C_NY">North Hempstead</a> spokesman Collin Nash. "Tomorrow [Thursday] this should all be over. We hope." 
Dan Aug, a spokesman for Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, said county offices remained open Wednesday and are scheduled to open for normal hours Thursday. Nassau County government will also be open today, said Michael Martino, spokesman for County Executive Ed Mangano. 
- Keith Herbert, Will Van Sant, Reid Epstein 
<h5>AIRPORTS</h5> 
The snow brought airline travel to a virtual standstill Wednesday. But airlines expect to return to the skies Thursday, with JetBlue, Delta, Continental, Southwest and <a href="/topics/US_Airways">US Airways</a> all planning to resume flights. 
All 30 commercial flights were canceled Wednesday at Long Island MacArthur Airport, but the airport kept runways clear for general aviation flights and any commercial flights, MacArthur spokeswoman Catherine Green said. 
<a href="/topics/Southwest_Airlines">Southwest Airlines</a> and <a href="/topics/US_Airways">US Airways</a> plan to resume flights at MacArthur around noontime Thursday. 
At LaGuardia Airport, more than 700 flights were canceled, and "hundreds more" were canceled at <a href="/topics/John_F._Kennedy_International_Airport">Kennedy Airport</a>, said <a href="/topics/John_P._Kelly_%28politician%29">John P. Kelly</a>, a spokesman for the Port Authority. 
On a normal day, <a href="/topics/John_F._Kennedy_International_Airport">Kennedy Airport</a> handles 1,000 aircraft movements a day. Wednesday, the snowfall limited activity at the airport to 53 arrivals and 49 departures before lunchtime, Kelly said. 
 - Keith Herbert, Jennifer Maloney, Sophia Chang 
<h5>HOSPITALS</h5> 
Hospitals initiated emergency plans to keep enough staff on hand to continue treating patients until roads were passable again. 
As doctors and nurses prepared to remain at work throughout the night Wednesday, hospital administrators said they expected an influx of storm-related injuries this morning, as more motorists venture out on slick roads and homeowners begin digging themselves out. 
At the Peconic Bay Medical Center in <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a>, officials enacted an emergency action plan that requires employees on the grounds to stay until they are released, said spokeswoman Denise Civiletti. 
Other hospitals asked for volunteers to work double shifts, and sent vehicles to bring staffers to work in the height of the storm. 
 - Jennifer Maloney, Mark Harrington, Olivia Winslow 
<h5>LIPA</h5> 
Tree limbs downed by rain-soaked snow and wind caused most of Wednesday's 1,500 power outages, the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Power_Authority">Long Island Power Authority</a> reported, but by nightfall all but 300 had been restored. 
As extra crews moved to take on what some expected to be the windiest part of the storm Wednesday night, LIPA stressed "safety and patience" to customers who might be affected by an outage. 
"Wind is the biggest issue for us tonight," said LIPA chief executive Kevin Law. "Snow will heighten restoration times." 
The 1,500 outages by 5 p.m. were considered light compared with other major storms, and given LIPA's 1.1 million customers. 
 - Mark Harrington 
<h5>BUSINESS</h5> 
Many Long Island workers got the day off because school districts and some companies closed, while many private companies gave workers the option of working from home or taking a vacation day. 
Numbers were hard to come by but one Internet service provider, Verizon, said its Web traffic in the Middle Atlantic and Northeast regions was up about 20 percent Wednesday from a normal weekday. "The increase in traffic more than likely is a combination of those teleworking or kids at home from school," the company said. 
Some workers came in but were allowed to leave early. <a href="/topics/National_Grid">National Grid</a> spokeswoman Elizabeth Margulies, who was working from home, said workers were told the offices would close at 3 p.m. for non-essential employees - with their supervisor's permission. 
<a href="/topics/Northrop_Grumman_Corp">Northrop Grumman</a>, which has offices in <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a> and <a href="/topics/Melville%2C_NY">Melville</a> employing a total of about 1,900, was open, but spokesman John Vosilla said, "We were given the option to work at home or make up the time during the week or whatever." However, he said, a small night shift was canceled. 
 - Tom Incantalupo

LIBLIZZ11.WEB

Morning commuters find it slow going on Long Island after major snowstorm

liSNOWhs

In a span of 14 hours on Wednesday, police on Long Island reported more than 200 motor-vehicle accidents. 
And that was before the evening commute home. 
With wet, swirling snow most of the morning - taking just a short time off in the afternoon - Long Island drivers faced mostly treacherous road conditions. 
CLOSINGS: <a href="http://schoolclosings.cv.net/long_island_school_closings/">Complete list of school and organization closings</a> 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Click here to see the latest snowstorm photos from around LI</a> 
As the evening rush hour began, roads still were dangerously slick. On the southbound Meadowbrook Parkway in Nassau County, where it merges into the <a href="/topics/Southern_State_Parkway%2C_NY">Southern State Parkway</a>, at about 3:45 p.m., traffic was bumper to bumper because of a reported accident. 
From midnight to 1 p.m., Nassau County police responded to 61 accidents. Suffolk police said there were approximately 120 crashes during the same 13-hour period. 
And the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, which patrols the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Expressway%2C_NY">Long Island Expressway</a> and <a href="/topics/Sunrise_Highway%2C_NY">Sunrise Highway</a>, reported more than 40 accidents from midnight to 2 p.m. 
None of the agencies reported serious injuries. 
"So far . . . no fatalities," Mike Sharkey, chief of staff for the Sheriff's Office, said Wednesday afternoon. "All injuries were minor, nothing major." 
Sharkey said the number of accidents was not surprising. On Tuesday, the Sheriff's Office reported 11 accidents all day, he said. 
"But during heavy snow, accidents are up dramatically," Sharkey said. "That's always the case. The best thing is for people to stay home, if they can do it." 
Both county commissioners of emergency preparedness offered the same advice Wednesday. The National Weather Service had revised its snowfall forecasts, calling for up to 18.5 inches in some places of Suffolk County and nearly 15 inches in eastern Nassau County. 
"If people can stay off roads till we can get them plowed, that will make a big difference for us," said Jim Callahan, commissioner of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management. 
That goes for the evening commute. Once drivers get home, they should stay home. 
With heavy snow predicted until midnight, plows and crews will be able to navigate the roadways easier if there is less traffic, officials said. 
Joe <a href="/topics/Joe_Williams">Williams</a>, Suffolk's commissioner for emergency preparedness, also advised folks to stay off roads if possible. And if they get home and have to shovel, he said, take it slow. 
"Every year, we seem to get a few unfortunate incidents, heart attacks and hurt backs, and we want to avoid those," Williams said. "So people who shovel should take a lot of breaks, pace themselves and just be sure to be careful." 
"Callahan also advised people to take breaks while shoveling and to touch base with older neighbors or relatives who have trouble getting around in poor weather. "Just check in with them to make sure they have heat and food and are OK," he said. 
Williams also said residents should keep vents to fuel-fired appliances and heating systems free of snow. These vents can be covered by snow, and deadly carbon monoxide can back up into living areas, he said. 
Suffolk County Executive Steve <a href="/topics/Steve_Levy">Levy</a> said the county recognizes three types of emergencies and he called Wednesday's blizzard warning the lowest level of the three. That's because he was confident the crews could handle clearing snow - which fell most of the day - from the roads. 
The county opened its emergency response center in <a href="/topics/Yaphank%2C_NY">Yaphank</a> at 7 a.m. and planned to keep it open until 9 p.m., Levy said. "We're trying to stay ahead of the storm," he said. The response center is designed to coordinate communication between county agencies in high demand during the snowfall. 
Levy said there was a report of a county resident dying of cardiac arrest because of shoveling snow. He also indicated there were three accidents involving snowblowers. Neither he nor his staff could provide any details, however. 
Williams said the county did not open any emergency shelters. He did say that the county has a call list of 500 people who either live alone or are handicapped. "All have been contacted to see if they need assistance," he said, "and none of them did." 
The towns of <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> and <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> declared snow emergencies Wednesday, anticipating more snow and hazardous driving. Other towns announcing emergency conditions or advisories include <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a>, which issued a weather and travel advisory Wednesday morning, and <a href="/topics/Brookhaven%2C_NY">Brookhaven</a>, which issued a snow alert Tuesday night. 
<a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said declaring a snow emergency allows him to close roads, appropriate necessary equipment from all sources and make necessary purchases without following the usual town procedures. 
During a snow emergency, residents are asked to limit vehicle travel and remove cars from streets for more thorough plowing, <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> spokesman Mike Deery said. 
"By minimizing vehicular traffic, roads can be cleared more quickly and residents can minimize the risks associated with driving in storm conditions," <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> Supervisor Kate Murray said in a statement. 
Also, little things like shoveling out fire hydrants can help emergency crews, Deery said. 
In <a href="/topics/Brookhaven%2C_NY">Brookhaven</a>, where some areas east of Route 112 had seven inches of snow on the ground by 1 p.m., officials are pleading with residents to avoid parking on the street. 
Parked cars are a huge impediment to clearing the town's roads, none of which are wider than 34 feet, said Highway Superintendent John Rouse. 
The town's Web site began playing a message from Rouse at 3 p.m. Wednesday telling residents it is "absolutely imperative" they park in their driveways or even on their lawns. Still, not everyone got the message, Rouse said. 
"Now what I have all along our roadways are little glaciers," he said, adding that parked cars make it difficult to get larger equipment through streets. 
The town had 500 pieces of equipment on the road, Rouse said. Workers reported for duty at 3 a.m., he said. 
With Patrick Whittle

LIEMER11

Cops report 61 accidents in Nassau, 160 in Suffolk

Woodbury crash

The wild winds and swirling snow seemed like the perfect reason to stay home. But there were George and Natividad Sanchez, bundled up and braving the winter weather. 
They came out, despite blizzard warnings and forecasts of more than a foot of snow, to keep 2-year-old daughter Natali happy. Her day care program, like city schools and courts and even the zoo, had closed Wednesday over weather concerns. That meant no trip to see “Sesame Street Live: When Elmo Grows Up.” 
With their workplaces also closed, the <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a> parents scrambled to buy their own tickets to the show. “I didn’t want to disappoint her,” George Sanchez said, as the family arrived for the show in parkas and scarves. 
Parents all over the region were dealing with an unusual bit of midweek family time, as harsh winter conditions disrupted normal schedules. 
New York City’s 1.1 million public school students were enjoying a rare snow day, after officials decided to cancel classes in anticipation of anywhere from 10 to 15 inches of snow coming down. 
Mayor Michael <a href="/topics/Michael_Bloomberg">Bloomberg</a> said school would be back in session Thursday, adding that the snowstorm had been “a bit of an on-again, off-again affair.” 
“After a brief lull, snowfall at mid-afternoon reached the intensity that made the decision to postpone school the right one,” he said, but emphasized that students need to get back to class. 
“Sorry about that for those who wanted another day off,” the mayor said at a news conference Wednesday. 
Bloomberg said the city was working overtime to clear streets and major thoroughfares would be plowed by Thursday morning. The Department of Sanitation deployed about 1,600 plows, and 2,100 workers were on 12-hour shifts. 
Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty asked New Yorkers to be patient for another day in dealing with piles of snow at street corners and bus stops. 
“For people that are walking, it’s going to be very sloppy,” Doherty said. “That’s going to take a little while.” 
New Yorkers tried to make the most of the rupture in their routines Wednesday. 
Tina Eng Caban spent the day with her 4-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter, trying to keep them occupied with movies and some time spent outside in the falling snow. 
“I’m ready to go back” to work, the Brooklyn mom joked. 
At Central Park’s Pilgrim Hill near Fifth Avenue, sledders were lined up waiting their turn. 
Deborah Quinn went sledding with her two boys, aged 5 and 9, who go to two public schools in <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a>. 
“We took out our 46-year-old Flexible Flyer, went to <a href="/topics/Kmart">Kmart</a> and got the last snow boots in size 1,” she said. “When I found out yesterday that they had canceled school, I thought, ’This is just silly.’ It seems a little bit overreacting. ... Most of the kids walk to school or take the subway. It’s not like we’re out in the suburbs where we’re snaking down the highway.” 
By late afternoon, 5 inches had fallen in Central Park, 6 inches at <a href="/topics/John_F._Kennedy_International_Airport">John F. Kennedy International Airport</a> and 10 inches in Spring Valley in Rockland County, according to the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a>. 
The storm forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights, and it closed most of the region’s courts, the <a href="/topics/United_Nations">United Nations</a>, and the Bronx Zoo and other <a href="/topics/Wildlife_Conservation_Society">Wildlife Conservation Society</a> parks. A Thursday event with penguins at the Central Park Zoo was postponed. 
Many people stayed home from work — Metro-North Railroad reported that from 6:15 a.m. to 10 a.m., it carried 43,000 customers into Grand Central, down 39 percent from a normal weekday. The Long Island Rail Road parking lot in Farmingdale was only about half-full by the end of the morning rush hour. 
But others braved the conditions to make the trek to the job. 
Harry Tucker, 44, a bond trader from Bronxville waiting for a commuter train in Pelham, said, “I work on commission. If I don’t work I don’t get paid.” 
Zaki Mohaed, a pushcart vendor, arrived at his regular spot on West 33rd Street at 1:30 a.m., two hours earlier than usual, to beat the traffic from Queens. 
He might have considered staying home. But “I didn’t cancel my (pastry) order; everything is fresh,” he said. 
Kim Baines, 31, who was on her way to work as a security guard at <a href="/topics/Covenant_House">Covenant House</a>, said her morning commute from Queens was normal and wasn’t worried about getting back in the evening. 
But when told that the forecast called for near-blizzard conditions, she paused briefly and said: “I’m not worried. I think it should be fun!” 
Air traffic was “very minimal,” said <a href="/topics/Steve_Coleman">Steve Coleman</a>, spokesman for the <a href="/topics/Port_Authority_of_New_York_and_New_Jersey">Port Authority of New York and New Jersey</a>. He said most airlines already had canceled all flights. 
In addition, high winds were forcing 20 mph speed limits on some bridges, he said. 
To the north, schools were closed in most parts of the Hudson Valley. Smaller amounts of snow were expected well upstate, with just 4 inches forecast for Buffalo. 
All branches of the <a href="/topics/New_York_Public_Library">New York Public Library</a> also were closed.

News

New York

ny-nyschool

NYC schools will be opened Thursday

Winter Weather

The 4:54 to <a href="/topics/Farmingdale%2C_NY">Farmingdale</a> was a like a ghost train Wednesday afternoon, gliding silent and near-empty past snow-stilled suburban streets. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Click here to see the latest snowstorm photos from around LI</a> 
<a href="/topics/Steve_Johnson">Steve Johnson</a>, 25, a pharmacist on his way home to <a href="/topics/New_Hyde_Park%2C_NY">New Hyde Park</a>, was surprised to find fewer than a dozen passengers in his car. 
"I thought the train would have been packed," said <a href="/topics/Steve_Johnson">Johnson</a>, 25. Then he looked out the window at the snow drifting downward, and reconsidered. "It's not that bad. I was expecting it to be a lot worse." 
Commuters on the Ronkonkoma line seemed largely to have heeded the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Rail_Road">Long Island Rail Road</a>'s advice to leave <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a> early, in case snow shut down the tracks. At Penn Station, the flow of passengers slowed to a trickle by 4 p.m. - a time when the rush hour crush would usually be ramping up. 
The 3:55 p.m. train to Ronkonkoma looked to be about 35 percent full as it pulled out of the station. 
Simon Rodkin, 58, of <a href="/topics/Plainview%2C_NY">Plainview</a>, seemed unconcerned as he headed down the platform. "It's nice weather, there's nothing wrong with it," said Rodkin, who is originally from <a href="/topics/Belarus">Belarus</a>. "Not a problem." 
A partner at an engineering firm, Rodkin said most of his 18 employees showed up for work Wednesday, though some left early. His biggest concern: digging out the car back at the <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a> station. 
The number of passengers on the line seemed to dwindle as the afternoon wore on. The next train, the 4:54 p.m., had just a handful of passengers. They talked quietly to each other or on their mobile phones as the train chugged through <a href="/topics/Queens%2C_NY">Queens</a>. 
Many said they left work early to be sure of getting home. 
Some said they checked for delays and canceled trains online; a few had signed up for LIRR e-mail alerts, which arrived every few minutes to announce service changes, delays and consolidations. 
Peter Agati of <a href="/topics/Roslyn%2C_NY">Roslyn</a> usually takes the 6:08 p.m. train home from his job at Paul Stuart, a clothing store on Madison Avenue. He took an earlier train Wednesday because he knew he'd be digging out his car. 
He was surprised by how empty Penn Station was. "Kinda scary when I got here," he said. "I thought there were no more trains." 
Agati said he wasn't worried about the drive home from the station. "I've got a <a href="/topics/Jeep">Jeep</a>," he said. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Radar and your neighborhood forecast</a> 
LIVE:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> Traffic snarls, cams</a> 
SHARE:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/snowstorm_map/"> Report and upload photos of inadequate snowplowing in your neighborhood</a>

LICOMM11

During storm, LIRR's Ronkonkoma line like a ghost train

LIRR Penn Station

Long Island may get up to 20 inches of snow before the storm is over, the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> said Wednesday. 
In general, 17 1/2 to 18 1/2 inches could fall in parts of <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a>, including Islip, Upton and the northwest portion of the county. <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> County could get as much as 15 1/2 inches along the North Shore. 
But snow bands forming offshore and spiraling inward could run in repeat patterns in some areas, dumping larger amounts of snow, said meteorologist Ross Dickman. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Click here to see the latest snowstorm photos from around LI</a> 
Many Long Islanders never left home in the first place as the giant storm bore down, turning Long Island into a haven of relative peace and quiet. 
Heeding numerous warnings, commuters avoided the rails and roadways, and many schools, government offices and businesses simply shut their doors for the day. 
All of the Island's 124 school districts were closed. 
The weather service issued a rare blizzard warning for Long Island at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday and said it would remain in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday. Snow was predicted to continue until Thursday morning. 
Forecasters said the storm would gain strength Wednesday afternoon, following a comparatively mild start during the morning rush hour. 
Earlier Wednesday, the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> said the storm was expected to dump 10 to 16 inches here and strengthen into a blizzard before it was all over. 
"This is the front end of the system," meteorologist Ross Dickman said. "The most significant part of the storm will come this afternoon," with the worst after 2 or 3 p.m., he said. 
Forecasters warned of wind gusts of up to 40 mph. Downed trees, tree limbs and power lines and white-out conditions could make travel extremely dangerous, they said. 
A high of 36 degrees was expected Wednesday, with lows in the mid-20s Wednesday night. 
About 400 state Department of Transportation workers began toiling at 3 a.m. to clear snow off roads. Some 200 plows, loaders and other pieces of equipment were out Wednesday morning, spokeswoman Eileen Peters said. 
"They'll just keep going until the storm is over," she said. 
In New York City, an army of snowplows took to 6,300 miles of road, said a spokeswoman for the Department of Sanitation. The department deployed 2,100 workers in two 12-hour shifts, said the department's Kathy Dawkins. She said a total of 2,000 pieces of equipment, including 1,600 regular sanitation collection trucks, will have plows attached to handle the snow. 
A stockpile of 153,000 tons of rock salt is also on hand to spread over the roads, she said. 
Conditions on major Island highways had begun to deteriorate by 5 a.m. with a thin layer of slush and ice, even in the main lanes of the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Expressway%2C_NY">Long Island Expressway</a> in <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> and <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a>. 
The Long Island Rail Road has announced it will suspend service if accumulations reach 10 to 13 inches. 
All flights at Long Island-MacArthur Airport were canceled Wednesday. Dozens of arrivals and departures at Kennedy and LaGuardia were also canceled. Expect most flights throughout the day to be canceled as conditions deteriorate. 
Which, no doubt, is why the Weather Service had this bit of advice: "Do not travel." 
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg urged drivers to leave their cars at home, warning they could become stranded or get into accidents. And then they'd end up saying of <a href="/topics/Michael_Bloomberg">Bloomberg: "I</a> should have listened to that guy," he said. 
Forecasters were calling for a partly sunny day Thursday, but said we can expect stiff winds of 17 mph to 20 mph. 
With Alfonso A. Castillo, Anthony M. DeStefano, Gary Dymski and Michael R. Ebert 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Radar and your neighborhood forecast</a> 
LIVE:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> Traffic snarls, cams</a> 
SHARE: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/long-island-snow-totals-1.1751310">See and report your neighborhood's snow totals -- and send in your photos, we might publish them in the paper or even the front cover!</a>

LIBLIZ11

Long Island blizzard could bring up to 20 inches of snow

LISNOW

<a href="/topics/Long_Island_Rail_Road">Long Island Rail Road</a> riders were back on their regular routines for the most part Thursday, with&nbsp; trains running on schedule. 
As of 8:30 a.m., the&nbsp; Web site for the <a href="/topics/Metropolitan_Transportation_Authority">Metropolitan Transportation Authority</a>&nbsp; was showing "good service"&nbsp; for all of the major LIRR&nbsp;lines. 
However, at some stations, the tough part for early riders was getting to the train. 
The platforms at the <a href="/topics/Farmingdale%2C_NY">Farmingdale</a> and <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a> stations hadn't been cleared of snow, so early-morning commuters broke their own paths through ankle-deep snow to wait for trains. 
At <a href="/topics/Farmingdale%2C_NY">Farmingdale</a>, stairs to the platform were still covered in snow and ice,&nbsp; and commuters clung to handrails as they inched up or down. 
Once in the city, morning riders were confronted with delays along the B, D, F, V lines; the J, M, Z lines; and the N, Q, R and W lines. 
LIVE: <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> Traffic snarls and cameras, and LIRR status</a> 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
On Wednesday, the LIRR moved the start of rush hour to early afternoon and threatened to stop running trains if the snow piled up too high. 
If the&nbsp; railroad's intention was to frighten commuters into leaving work early and going home to beat the last punch of a mighty snowstorm, it was successful, riders said. 
"The scare tactics worked," Arthur Garcia, 46, a tax attorney from <a href="/topics/Freeport%2C_NY">Freeport</a>, said as he waited for the 2:12 p.m. train Wednesday. While some of his co-workers planned to stay in <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a> overnight, he said, "The Long Islanders were getting out." 
The LIRR and Long Island Bus&nbsp; both reported substantially fewer riders on Wednesday.&nbsp; Morning LIRR ridership was down 46.3 percent from 6 to 11 a.m. compared with an average weekday, railroad officials said. 
Long Island Bus also had a "lot less people" on board than usual, spokesman Jerry Mikorenda said. 
At Penn Station, rush hour came several hours early as commuters anxiously studied schedule boards in the early afternoon. 
By 5:30 p.m., only about 50 people mingled in Penn's&nbsp; waiting area. 
"Anytime I am here, it's packed," said Lori Weisenberg-Catalano, 55, of <a href="/topics/Roslyn_Heights%2C_NY">Roslyn Heights</a>, adding that the desolation was a rare treat. "This is very meager. When they announce a track, there is a usually a swoosh of people. That's not happening. It's a pleasure." 
Peter Agati of Roslyn was surprised by the station's emptiness. 
"Kinda scary when I got here," said Agati, who works at Paul Stuart, a Madison Avenue clothing store. "I thought there were no more trains." 
The LIRR estimated at 4 p.m. that it already had taken 65 percent of the day's commuters back home. 
The flow of commuters at Penn Station slowed to a relative trickle by late afternoon. The 3:55 p.m. train to <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a> looked to be only about 35 percent full. The next train, the 4:24 p.m., was even emptier. 
Simon Rodkin, 58, of <a href="/topics/Plainview%2C_NY">Plainview</a>, seemed unconcerned as he headed down the platform. 
"It's nice weather; there's nothing wrong with it," said Rodkin, who is originally from <a href="/topics/Belarus">Belarus</a>. "Not a problem." 
More than a dozen LIRR employees in orange reflector vests were stationed throughout Penn Station with clipboards to answer questions from commuters. 
John Sullivan, 48, a banker from <a href="/topics/Manhasset%2C_NY">Manhasset</a>, had two things on his mind: Beat the blizzard and get to <a href="/topics/Florida">Florida</a> -- fast. 
Sullivan usually takes the 6:20 p.m. train home on the Port Washington Branch. But a vacation in <a href="/topics/West_Palm_Beach">West Palm Beach</a> beckoned and he was waiting for the 1:49 p.m. train. 
"It was time to get home," Sullivan said. "When the railroad says it's putting extra trains on between 1 and 4 and later service could be suspended, that's pretty much a signal." 
Sullivan was still planning to catch an 8 a.m. Thursday flight out of Long Island MacArthur Airport in <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a> to <a href="/topics/West_Palm_Beach">West Palm Beach</a>. 
Bruce Phillip, 43, a civil engineer from <a href="/topics/Valley_Stream%2C_NY">Valley Stream</a>, seemed delighted at his early getaway on the 2:06 p.m. train on the Babylon Branch. He usually leaves for home between 4:30 and 5 p.m., he said. 
"The inclement weather pretty much told me it was time to go home," Phillip said. 
Nigel Margetson, 43, of <a href="/topics/Freeport%2C_NY">Freeport</a>, an equities trader at <a href="/topics/HSBC">HSBC</a> in midtown, was told by his bosses to go home early around 1 p.m. to beat the weather. 
"People started talking about leaving work early as soon as we got there," he said. "People were worried about the weather. I figured it wouldn't be a problem getting in. I was worried about getting out. At work, they decided to let people who live in <a href="/topics/Connecticut">Connecticut</a> and Long Island leave early." 
At the LIRR station in <a href="/topics/Jamaica%2C_NY">Jamaica</a> in the middle of the afternoon, most commuters said they were finding fewer problems than they had anticipated. 
"It looks like I got lucky," said Larry Slater, 49, who was happy that his 2 p.m. train to <a href="/topics/East_Northport%2C_NY">East Northport</a> was on time. "Everyone is trying to make sure they got home before the big storm hits." 
Charles Cuthbert, 67, of <a href="/topics/Westbury%2C_NY">Westbury</a>, said he was one of many people to cut out early from his job as an engineer in <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a>. "The snow looked really heavy, and we heard some [train] services might be stopped," he said. 
As late as 3:30 p.m., trains were running frequently and on time in both directions. 
"I was afraid my train would be canceled, but it's not that bad at all," said Robert Faulk, 36, of <a href="/topics/New_Hyde_Park%2C_NY">New Hyde Park</a>, who was returning home from his job as a court officer in <a href="/topics/Kew_Gardens%2C_NY">Kew Gardens</a>. "If I catch my train, I'll be home free. Except I have to shovel later." 
It was not a good day for at least one eastbound LIRR rider. 
Mike Juidice, 20, stood in a corner of the nearly empty <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a> station Wednesday afternoon, waiting for a bus to <a href="/topics/Medford%2C_NY">Medford</a>. 
He had been waiting for several hours. 
His train, one of the few that goes east to <a href="/topics/Greenport%2C_NY">Greenport</a>, was replaced with a bus because of the weather. 
His other problem was that he missed the 8:43 a.m. train out of <a href="/topics/Deer_Park%2C_NY">Deer Park</a>, and the next eastbound train was too late to make the East End shuttle. 
"I'm just trying to get home," Juidice said. "I've been here 31/2 hours. It's pretty boring." 
LIRR spokesman Joe Calderone said LIRR workers were out in large numbers, clearing snow from platforms and answering questions from commuters at major stations. Work trains also were out coating the electrified third rail with a special solution to prevent icing. 
The LIRR had canceled 17 eastbound trains out of Penn Station during the normal evening peak in advance of the snowstorm. 
Long Island Bus changed all limited-service bus routes to local service as a "customer courtesy," spokesman Jerry Mikorenda said. 
"This is so customers are not left out in the cold for a long period waiting for their local bus and can get on the first available one that comes by," he said. 
At Penn Station, LIRR rider Bruce Almeida, 37, a <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a> structural designer who lives in <a href="/topics/Shoreham%2C_NY">Shoreham</a>, waited eagerly for the 1:58 p.m. train on the <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a> line; he usually catches either the 5:21 p.m. or the 6:33 p.m. train. 
And what about digging out his car when he gets to the station? 
Almeida grinned. 
"I keep the car in a garage," he said. 
With Alfonso Castillo, Mitchell Freedman, Ann Givens, Pervaiz Shallwani, Jennifer Smith and John Valenti

LILIRR11

LIRR back on normal service Thursday morning

Hospitals across <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> implemented emergency plans to stay up and running during the snowstorm Wednesday, sending vehicles to pick up staff members for afternoon shifts and providing cots and food for doctors and nurses preparing to stay through the night. 
<a href="/topics/Nassau_University_Medical_Center">Nassau University Medical Center</a> in <a href="/topics/East_Meadow%2C_NY">East Meadow</a> used its ambulances to pick up staff who didn't feel comfortable driving through the snow for the 3 p.m. shift, said Dr. Stephen Walerstein, the hospital's medical director. 
And the 13 hospitals in the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System set up cots in conference rooms and administrative offices for those working extra shifts, North Shore spokesman Terry Lynam said. Hospitals ordered extra food and were providing free food for staff members in their cafeterias. 
At the Peconic Bay Medical Center in <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a>, officials enacted a level-one emergency action plan Tuesday night, and were preparing Wednesday afternoon to shift it to level three, meaning employees on the grounds cannot leave unless they are released, said spokeswoman Denise Civiletti. 
The plan ensures there's enough critical staff to operate the hospital through the end of a storm or other incident, she said. "We want to ensure we have the full complement of people we need," she said, adding that some workers unable to get to work have been picked up in four-wheel-drive vehicles. 
At St. Francis Hospital in <a href="/topics/Roslyn%2C_NY">Roslyn</a>, nonessential departments were closed and essential staff were preparing to spend the night, said Ruth Hennessey, executive vice president and chief operating officer. 
"We had our generators tested this morning," she said. 
Hospitals said they had not seen many storm-related injuries, but anticipated people with shoveling injuries may start arriving in emergency rooms once the snow stops. 
With Mark Harrington 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
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LIHOSP11

LI hospitals collect staff to stay functioning in storm

Snowstorm

What makes a blizzard a blizzard? Not just snow, it turns out. 
To be classified as a blizzard, a storm must have wind gusts of at least 35 mph, reduced visibility - a quarter mile or less - and blowing or falling snow, said meteorologist Brian Ciemnecki of the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> in <a href="/topics/Upton%2C_NY">Upton</a>. 
These conditions must exist for at least three continuous hours, Ciemnecki said. 
"It's not contingent on an amount of snow," Ciemnecki said. "It's the conditions." 
While Wednesday's storm cannot be classified as a blizzard just yet, it is expected to start down that road by 3 or 4 p.m., Ciemnecki said. That's when strong, gusting winds and whiteout conditions are expected on <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>, forecasters said. 
"We're still on track for a blizzard," Ciemnecki said. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Click here to see the latest snowstorm photos from around LI</a> 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
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SHARE: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/long-island-snow-totals-1.1751310">See and report your neighborhood's snow totals -- and send in your photos, we might publish them in the paper or even the front cover!</a>

LIWHAT11

Ingredients of a blizzard: Snow, wind and lack of visibility

A car passes by some freshly fallen snow

With windblown snow taking a horizontal route to the earth, and predictions a major winter storm might soon turn into a blizzard, many Long Islanders chose Wednesday to simply stay home. 
Those who ventured out were mostly shop workers and business owners who found themselves with almost no customers to serve. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Click here to see the latest snowstorm photos from around LI</a> 
Scenes from a snowy day on Long Island and beyond: 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
<a href="/topics/Mineola%2C_NY">Mineola</a> wasn't exactly a ghost town as the storm roared through town. But workers at coffee shops felt pretty lonely Wednesday morning in their half-empty stores. 
"I guess everybody's scared of coming in," said Ricky Gutierrez, manager of Gourmet Grill, located near the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Rail_Road">Long Island Rail Road</a> station. Only about half the usual number of customers were in the shop Wednesday morning, he said. 
The blare from a television was just about the only noise at the normally bustling store. 
Gutierrez said the weather was not something a small business has any control over. 
"That's how it is sometimes," he said. 
He said the cafe might close several hours earlier than normal, around 2 or 3 p.m., instead of the usual 8:30 p.m. 
"It might not be worth it today," he said. 
At the Mo' Joe coffee shop, near Winthrop Hospital, the usual morning rush of hospital employees and train commuters was nowhere to be found. But owner Christian Crespo chose to be optimistic, though the number of customers was a third of his daily traffic. 
"Who knows, they could just be running late," he said. 
Crespo thought the shop might turn out to be a refuge later in the day for commuters waiting for late trains. 
"If the trains get delayed, it's not the worst thing in the world for us," he said. 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
With the day off from work Wednesday, Andrew MacArthur braved the elements and went to a sparsely populated Roosevelt Field mall. 
Blizzard or not, <a href="/topics/Valentine%27s_Day">Valentine's Day</a> was coming, and the <a href="/topics/Great_Neck%2C_NY">Great Neck</a> resident had to get a gift for his girlfriend. 
"I figured they would be packed on any other day, so I decided to give it a shot," said MacArthur, one of the few people shopping at the sprawling mall. 
When he finished about 11 a.m., he said, "I'm outta here. I'm going home." 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
At the Peconic Bay Medical Center in <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a>, officials enacted a level-one emergency action plan Tuesday night and were preparing Wednesday afternoon to shift it to level three, meaning employees on the grounds cannot leave unless they are released, spokeswoman Denise Civiletti said. 
The plan ensures there's enough critical staff to operate the hospital through the end of a storm or another incident, she said. 
"We want to ensure we have the full complement of people we need," she said, adding that some workers unable to get to work have been picked up in four-wheel-drive vehicles. 
The Long Island Expressway from <a href="/topics/Hauppauge%2C_NY">Hauppauge</a> to <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a> was only partially plowed in some spots. Only a single lane was open from <a href="/topics/Medford%2C_NY">Medford</a> to <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a>. About a half-dozen vehicles moved at 20 mph Wednesday morning. 
The Tanger Outlet Center in <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a> was closed until noon Friday, a security guard said. 
Snowplows in the mall's vast parking lot dumped snow into huge mounds, as security guards directed traffic out of the lot. 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
Dean Metropoulis, 25, of <a href="/topics/New_Hyde_Park%2C_NY">New Hyde Park</a>, took the N24 bus from his home in <a href="/topics/New_Hyde_Park%2C_NY">New Hyde Park</a> to visit a friend working at the Roosevelt Field mall. The bus, he said, was on time. 
He didn't have to go to work today so he decided to get out and about. "What's so great about staying home all day?" Metropoulis said. And when he does get home, he plans to break out the snowplow and pick up some money by digging people out. 
Salvatore Cino, general manager of Sbarro's Restaurant at the mall, was still waiting for his first customer at 11 a.m. But he anticipated more activity by lunchtime. 
"There are people working in the mall, and I'm sure we'll have a small influx at lunch," he said. 
He noted the restaurant had "scaled back on the pizza," and only had a crew of three people on hand. "We'll most likely close early when the snow comes heavy in the afternoon," Cino said. 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
A <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> business owner shoveled the sidewalk outside his shop when the snow took a break. 
"Just trying to clear off the sidewalks to make it safe for anyone who decides to stop in. It's easier to do it now before the heavier stuff starts later," said Angelo Cice, owner of International Automotive Repairs, at 89 E. Main St. He said the business would stay open as long as it seemed reasonable. Two of his employees showed up at the shop, which repairs Ferraris and other high-end vehicles. 
"They're really faithful guys. Yesterday I told them to use their judgment about whether to come in, because nobody needs to get hurt," Cice said. 
Dan Eberle of <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> said the day was like any other day, only better. 
"It's great," he said while at <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> Town Hall to drop off some paperwork. "The roads are clear. Usually, the town is packed when you go out to lunch . . . I work from home so transportation is not an issue - had things to do. It's like any other day. I came here and I was right in, right out. Now I'm going out to lunch." 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
As long as a bus was available, Brian Gayle, 29, of Rochdale, Queens, figured he could make it to his mother's home in Hempstead. So there he was in Hempstead's bus terminal, named for the late civil rights activist <a href="/topics/Rosa_Parks">Rosa Parks</a>, after about a 45-minute trip on the N6 from Jamaica, Queens, at about 10 a.m. 
The trip to his mother's home took not much longer than usual, he said. 
"There wasn't that many people, so he didn't have to make so many stops," Gayle said, referring to the bus driver. 
He came out to visit his mother, adding, "I ain't scared of traveling. Once there's a bus, I'll move around." 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
In the Town of <a href="/topics/North_Hempstead%2C_NY">North Hempstead</a>, it was business as usual - the Board of Zoning Appeals held its scheduled meeting Wednesday morning, said town spokesman Collin Nash. 
The town planned to keep its 311 call center open till midnight if necessary, and the tax office was open on the last day for property owners to pay tax bills, Nash said. 
And, "our highway guys are, of course, plowing and doing what they do," he said. 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
In Brookhaven, where some areas east of Route 112 already have 7 inches of snow on the ground, officials pleaded with residents to avoid parking on the street. 
Parked cars are a huge impediment to clearing the town's 2,500 miles of roads, none of which are wider than 34 feet, Highway Superintendent John Rouse said. 
The town's Web site played a message from Rouse at 3 p.m. Wednesday, telling residents it is "absolutely imperative" they park in their driveways or even on their lawns. Still, not everyone got the message, Rouse said. 
"Now what I have all along our roadways are little glaciers," he said, adding that parked cars make it difficult to get larger equipment through streets. 
The town has 500 pieces of equipment on the road, Rouse said. Workers reported for duty at 3 a.m. Wednesday, he said. 
Some town officials have also talked about the possibility of a local law precluding residents from parking in the street during and after a snowstorm. 
For now, Rouse said he will continue to ask residents to keep parked cars off the road until the snow is over and streets have been cleared. 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
By midafternoon, winds in <a href="/topics/Westbury%2C_NY">Westbury</a> picked up and carried heavy amounts of snow through the air. The sounds of slowly passing cars and distant shovels hitting the ground were heard throughout the neighborhood. Most restaurants, businesses and other services that line Post Avenue were closed. 
The street were pedestrian-free as parked cars continued to line the interior streets. 
At a <a href="/topics/Dunkin%27_Donuts%2C_LLC">Dunkin' Donuts</a>, three men sat silently drinking their coffee. At Lin Garden, a local Chinese restaurant, three workers feverishly continued their cooking. One worker, who declined to give her name and who said the manager was unavailable, said orders were still coming in and the restaurant was doing its best to deliver. 
In some parts of the neighborhood, the frigid air looked like fog as visibility continued to decline. The air's loud wisp sounded like humming as some brave souls quickly ran in and out of their vehicles. 
The only steady traffic continued to be garbage trucks, the N35 MTA bus, and trucks with plows attached to the front of them. 
New snow made the muddy road, once a dark grayish brown, white again with each passing hour. 
&nbsp; 
<hr width="50%"> 
The message seems to have gotten out - don't try to fly out of <a href="/topics/New_York%2C_NY">New York</a>. 
The few passengers who showed up at <a href="/topics/LaGuardia_Airport">LaGuardia Airport</a>, anyway, either didn't get word that their flights were canceled or they were going to try to take whatever standby flight they could. 
"I tried to leave earlier this morning, but they said the flights were booked," said Lauro Huerta, 39, a promoter who was trying to catch a flight to <a href="/topics/Los_Angeles">Los Angeles</a> and get home to Orange County, Calif. 
He was hoping to get on an <a href="/topics/American_Airlines">American Airlines</a> flight leaving about 11 a.m. 
Liang Ding, a professor from <a href="/topics/Cleveland">Cleveland</a> trying to get to <a href="/topics/Houston">Houston</a> for a conference, said he checked <a href="/topics/AirTran">AirTran</a>'s Web site this morning and it showed his flight was still departing as scheduled. 
"I booked a flight on Southwest and they're canceled. Now I booked a flight on <a href="/topics/AirTran">AirTran</a> and this morning it still showed the flight," Ding said. "They should inform us." 
His wife called to tell him flights were still available - in Albany. "I was also thinking of going to <a href="/topics/Baltimore">Baltimore</a>" and flying out of there, he said. 
Julie and Jeff Kiker were spending the last few hours of their whirlwind trip to <a href="/topics/New_York%2C_NY">New York</a> waiting on chairs near Spirit Airline's ticket counter. 
"We just came in for a day, and we're supposed to leave tonight," said Julie Kiker. 
The couple had come to see the Brooklyn Tabernacle for Julie's 39th birthday and now were trying to get home to Toledo. 
If they couldn't fly out today, the next available flight on Spirit was Saturday. 
"We're looking at all our options. We might drive," Julie Kiker said. "We can't stay here until Saturday." 
They seemed resigned to the interminable wait. 
"What can you do?" Jeff Kiker said. 
"I'' rather be safe. We have books, we have each other," his wife said. 
With Yamiche Alcindor, Sophia Chang, Mark Harrington, Deborah Morris, Patrick Whittle and Olivia Winslow 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
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LIVIGS11

LIers stare down the storm

How Long Island towns and villages are responding to the blizzard warning: 
<a href="/topics/Brookhaven%2C_NY">Brookhaven</a> offices are open, but the town has closed recreation facilities and canceled all recreation programs for Wednesday. The town also has issued a snow alert. All parked vehicles should be removed from roadways for more effective plowing. 
<a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> offices and buildings are open. 
<a href="/topics/Islip%2C_NY">Islip</a> offices and buildings are open. However, senior centers are closed. A snow advisory alert has been issued, calling for the removal of parked vehicles from roadways. 
<a href="/topics/Oyster_Bay%2C_NY">Oyster Bay</a> town offices are open, but several recreation programs, including skating and hockey at the <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a> facility, have been canceled. All activities and meetings at town community centers also have been canceled. 
A winter storm warning has been announced, calling for the removal of parked cars from roadways. 
<a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a> town hall and justice court will close early, at 11:30 a.m. Court cases will be adjourned and public meetings Wednesday have been postponed. 
<a href="/topics/Smithtown%2C_NY">Smithtown</a> offices and buildings are open. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
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LILIST11

Officials announce town, village closings

Yesterday's snowstorm forced the postponement of all <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> high school sporting events. 
The Suffolk boys and girls basketball games were postponed and no official makeup dates have been announced, though Section XI director Ed Cinelli was hopeful their games can be played Thursday. 
"If school's in [Thursday], they'll have the opportunity to play the basketball games [Thursday night]," Cinelli said. "Nothing is definite yet and I have no idea how it will go. It all depends on how the weather clears up." 
<a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a>'s first-round boys basketball playoff games will begin Friday afternoon, if the conditions allow. Should the inclement weather continue, those games would be moved to Saturday with start times to be determined. 
Today's eight <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> girls basketball playoffs games were still a go as of early last night, but will be rescheduled depending on the weather. 
"If any school has to close and their game can't be played, we'll move them back to [Friday]," Nassau girls basketball coordinator Stephanie Joannon said. "And if there's a closure [Friday], we'll move it back to Saturday." 
The Nassau boys and girls Class A track meet, initially booked for Wednesday, has been pushed to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Suffolk CC-Brentwood. 
Yesterday's Nassau girls gymnastics Coaches Invitational was postponed indefinitely. Today's Nassau individual tournament / state qualifier was rescheduled for Feb. 23 at <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a>, according to section coordinator Kim Rhatigan, who is the <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a> coach. 
"One of the districts involved in the meet, their school is closed," Rhatigan said. "I verified with [Section VIII executive director] Todd Heimer that it's the protocol if the school is closed and their athlete can't compete, we can't host the state qualifier without them. It would be unfair." 
Rhatigan said the Coaches Invitational would likely be pushed back until after the state tournament Feb. 27. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
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Sports

High School

SKSNOW11

Snow forces more high school sports postponements

Snow plow in Islip Terrace

Two lanes of the eastbound <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Expressway%2C_NY">Long Island Expressway</a> were closed briefly before noon Wednesday when a car overturned near Exit 55 in Central Islip, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department said. 
The car overturned after a two-vehicle crash, police said. No serious injuries were reported, but the left and center lanes were closed as one of the cars remained stalled in the middle of the expressway. 
"We're just waiting for a tow truck so we can open up the two lanes," a spokesman said at around 11:55 a.m. 
The department said it was unclear if the storm caused the accident. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Radar and your neighborhood forecast</a> 
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Suffolk

LILIEX11

Crash closes LIE lanes in Central Islip

Most Long Island Power Authority customers survived the early portion of Wednesday's winter storm quite nicely, a utility spokesman said. 
"Overnight, we had about 900 customers with outages," LIPA spokesman Mark Gross said at about 7:30 a.m. "As of this morning, all but five customers are back on line." 
Gross said the biggest test for the utility is ahead, as the snow gets heavier and roads become more difficult to manuever. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Click here to see the latest snowstorm photos from around LI</a> 
"As the wind picks up and snow moves in, this will be a significant event for us, I am sure," Gross said. 
He said the utility's message to its customers - and its service and repair teams - is patience and safety. 
Customers should look for downed wires, he said, and alert the utility as quickly as possible. But he said that the storm will make it tricky for workers to get to and, in some instances, locate, power lines that have fallen. 
The good news, Gross said, is that "we have a full staff because it is a weekday. So all hands are on deck." 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Radar and your neighborhood forecast</a> 
LIVE:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> Traffic snarls, cams</a> 
SEE and SHARE: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/long-island-snow-totals-1.1751310">See and report your neighborhood's snow totals -- and send in your photos, we might publish them in the paper or even the front cover!</a>

LILIPA11

LIPA outages minimal so far, spokesman says

It's getting bad - and it's going to get worse. 
By 9 a.m. Wednesday, the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> had reported 2 to 3 inches of snow on the ground across the Island, with "freezing fog" making for bad travel. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Click here to see the latest snowstorm photos from around LI</a> 
The storm is expected to dump 10 to 16 inches here before it's all over, the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> said. 
Spared days ago when a monstrous storm smothered much of the mid-Atlantic states, it seems there will be no reprieve for Long Island this time around. 
Early morning snow that complicated a lighter-than-normal morning commute was expected to become a full-out blizzard by midafternoon. 
"This is the front end of the system," meteorologist Ross Dickman said. "The most significant part of the storm will come this afternoon," with the worst after 2 or 3 p.m., he said. 
Forecasters are calling for one to two inches of snow per hour, which could mix with sleet throughout the morning, forecasters said. 
A high of 36 degrees was expected Wednesday, with lows in the mid-20s Wednesday night. 
The service issued a rare blizzard warning for Long Island at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday - and said it would remain in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday. Snow was predicted to continue into Thursday morning. 
Forecasters warned of "severe winter weather conditions" Wednesday afternoon, with wind gusts of up to 40 mph. Downed trees, tree limbs and power lines and white-out conditions could make travel "extremely dangerous," they said. 
Conditions on major highways had begun to deteriorate by 5 a.m. with a thin layer of slush and ice, even in the main lanes of the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Expressway%2C_NY">Long Island Expressway</a> in <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a> and <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a>. 
The Long Island Rail Road had no reported delays as of 9 a.m. However, the railroad has announced it will suspend service if accumulations reach 10 to 13 inches. 
All flights at Long Island-MacArthur Airport were canceled Wednesday. Dozens of arrivals and departures at Kennedy and LaGuardia were also canceled. Expect most flights throughout the day to be canceled as conditions deteriorate. 
Which, no doubt, is why the Weather Service had this bit of advice: "Do not travel." 
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg urged drivers to leave their cars at home, warning they could become stranded or get into accidents. And then they'd end up saying of <a href="/topics/Michael_Bloomberg">Bloomberg: "I</a> should have listened to that guy," he said. 
Forecasters were calling for a partly sunny day Thursday, but said we can expect stiff winds of 17 mph to 20 mph. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Radar and your neighborhood forecast</a> 
LIVE:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> Traffic snarls, cams</a> 
SEE and SHARE: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/long-island-snow-totals-1.1751310">See and report your neighborhood's snow totals -- and send in your photos, we might publish them in the paper or even the front cover!</a>

LIBLIZZ11

Forecasters say no ducking the big one this time

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Long Island through 6 a.m. Thursday.&nbsp; Snow is expected to mix with sleet and rain early Wednesday before turning over to all snow, heavy at times, Wednesday afternoon. 
CLOSINGS: <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/long_island_school_closings/">Complete list of school and organization closings</a> 
Forecasters had revised their predictions, saying the storm would pack a little more punch than previously expected, potentially bringing as much as 2 to 4 inches of snow by daybreak on Wednesday and as much as a foot and a half by the time it's done, forecasters said. 
The storm, expected to drop 10 to 16 inches on most of Long Island, "comes a little more in earnest overnight, at least than previously thought," meteorologist John Cristantello. 
The East End and South Shore are expected to get 8 to 14 inches, as the snow may mix with rain and sleet into Wednesday evening. 
For the rest of the Island, the snow may mix with sleet in the morning but it will fall at the rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour by the time it ends Wednesday night. 
Northeast winds will become "strong and gusty" during the day, with those gusts, in the 35- to 40-mph range, causing blowing and drifting snow. Near-blizzard conditions are possible at times, as are power outages, forecasters said. 
Travel is expected to be dangerous, so only travel in an emergency, forecasters said. 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook</a> 
ALERTS:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> LIVE: Long Island traffic cams</a> 
 PHOTOS:<a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic snow storms</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-winter-on-long-island-2009-2010-1.1690828"> This winter on Long Island</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a>

LIWARN10

Blizzard warning issued for Long Island

The Long Island Rail Road's overhauled snow response plan will be put to the test under extreme circumstances Wednesday, as a foot or more of snow is expected to cause temporary service suspensions throughout the system's 700 miles of track at the height of the usual evening rush hour, LIRR officials said. 
The LIRR expects to run its normal schedule Wednesday morning. But anticipating that commuters who go to work Wednesday will head home early, the LIRR is planning an earlier-than-usual peak period and adding 13 eastbound trains out of Penn Station between about 1 and 4 p.m. 
To make those extra trains available, the LIRR is canceling 17 afternoon and evening trains from Penn Station and five trains from <a href="/topics/Brooklyn_Bridge%2C_NY">Brooklyn</a>'s Atlantic Terminal, and shifting service to other trains. In some cases, the modification includes extension of some trains' normal end points. 
NEW LIRR SCHEDULE: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/lirr-winter-snowstorm-plan-1.1751142">See the specific trains the LIRR is adding or canceling for Wednesday</a> 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Click here to see the latest snowstorm photos from around LI</a> 
VIDEO: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/li-blizzard-watch-1.1752467"> Click here to watch the latest forecast from News 12</a> 
The railroad typically runs 131 trains during the evening peak period. 
LIRR officials said they expect a far lighter load during Wednesday's commute, which has an average weekday ridership of 100,000 during peak hours. The average evening rush ridership is 80,000, as many people make the return trip outside peak hours. 
Those not lucky enough to make it from the city to their Long Island homes before the heavy snowfall, predicted to begin in the afternoon, may be well-advised to seek a place to stay until later in the evening - or overnight. 
Under the LIRR's new policy of halting trains when 10 to 13 inches or more of snow collects on tracks, service could be suspended for hours as crews work to clear a path home for commuters. LIRR officials say that snow accumulation of more than 10 to 13 inches can interfere with trains' contact with the electrified third rail. 
"We are going to be very cautious about sending trains out into blizzard-like conditions," LIRR president Helena <a href="/topics/Helena_Williams">Williams</a> said at a news conference. "If we're putting service out there, we want to be sure the trains are moving." 
The LIRR's new guidelines come after a Dec. 19-20 snowstorm caused widespread delays and stranded 150 passengers on one <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a>-bound train for three hours without power or working toilets. 
Railroad employees will monitor snow accumulation and track conditions throughout the system and report back to key operations personnel, who will make decisions about any service suspensions, Williams said. 
The LIRR's priority is to maintain service on its primary branches for as long as possible, Williams said. 
She defined those as trains leaving from Penn Station for Babylon, Huntington, Port Washington or <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a>, and from <a href="/topics/Brooklyn_Bridge%2C_NY">Brooklyn</a> to Jamaica. Service on other branches probably will be suspended first and restored last. 
To deal with the snow, a procession of snow-combating equipment will travel the tracks as passenger trains are held at bay. Some machines will move at just 25 miles per hour. A snowplow will dig out a path. Behind it, a snowblower will clear the essential third rail of drifts. And behind that, another train will coat the tracks with antifreeze, LIRR officials said. 
The LIRR also will dispatch personnel to key stations to assist commuters. 
Snow preparation began in earnest Tuesday as crews pre-salted some station platforms, de-iced tracks and prepped equipment. 
Even after the last snowflake falls, the LIRR will continue its battle against the elements, Williams said. The exhaustive job of operating through a snowstorm is expected to take its toll on Thursday morning's rush hour, which Williams said could see cancellations, delays and lingering suspensions on some lines. Service between <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a> and <a href="/topics/Greenport%2C_NY">Greenport</a> and between <a href="/topics/Speonk%2C_NY">Speonk</a> and <a href="/topics/Montauk%2C_NY">Montauk</a> may not be restored until Friday, Williams said. 
LIRR Commuter Council chairwoman, Maureen Michaels, who was critical of the LIRR's handling of the December storm, said she has been impressed with the railroad's preparation for Wednesday's storm. 
"We'll see how it plays out, and whether or not they can step it up," Michaels said. 
NEW LIRR SCHEDULE: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/lirr-winter-snowstorm-plan-1.1751142">See the specific trains the LIRR is adding or canceling for Wednesday</a> 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/weather/blizzard-hits-long-island-2-10-2010-1.1752280">Latest snowstorm photos</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snowstorms, 1947-2009</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Radar and your neighborhood forecast</a> 
LIVE:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> Traffic snarls, cams</a> 
SHARE: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/long-island-snow-totals-1.1751310">See and report your neighborhood's snow totals -- and send in your photos, we might publish them in the paper or even the front cover!</a>

LILIRR10

Snow expected to suspend LIRR service at evening rush hour

How much snow accumulation isn't the only thing to worry about with Wednesday's predicted snowstorm. The winter blast's timing will be problematic for <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>. Forecasters say the heaviest snow will fall between 1 and 7 p.m. 
"Basically, during the evening rush," said Richard Castro, of the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> in <a href="/topics/Upton%2C_NY">Upton</a>. 
With 10 to 16 inches predicted for <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>, school districts, airlines and municipal governments announced cancellations and postponements. 
CLOSINGS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-schools-governments-announce-wednesday-cancellations-1.1750951">Click here to see if your school or group has announced it will be closed</a> 
Schools 
Most public schools will be closed. Check newsday.com for the latest closings. 
Airline flights 
All flights to and from <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> MacArthur Airport Wednesday have been canceled, airport spokeswoman Catherine Green said. The airport is served by <a href="/topics/Southwest_Airlines">Southwest Airlines</a> and <a href="/topics/US_Airways">US Airways</a>. The airport still plans to keep its runways clear of snow, with snow removal operations scheduled to begin at 3 a.m. Wednesday, Green said. 
At New York City airports, <a href="/topics/US_Airways">US Airways</a> canceled all flight operations at LaGuardia, and <a href="/topics/Continental_Airlines%2C_Inc.">Continental Airlines</a> canceled all flights after 8 a.m. At Kennedy, Delta, JetBlue and <a href="/topics/American_Airlines">American Airlines</a> also anticipate numerous cancellations. 
Also 
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said public works crews were prepared to begin snow removal and urged drivers to stay off the roads. Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said the county's Emergency Operations Center in <a href="/topics/Yaphank%2C_NY">Yaphank</a> will open early to coordinate the county's response. 
In New York City, a City Council hearing into the venue of the Sept. 11 conspiracy trial in <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a> originally set for Wednesday has been rescheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. 
The Nassau Rent Guidelines Board Tuesday postponed a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. 
The snow could mean the deadline for paying property taxes gets pushed back. Gov. David A. Paterson said Tuesday he was open to a suggestion from Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray that a state of emergency be declared, giving residents additional time to pay their property tax bills. 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook</a> 
ALERTS:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> LIVE: Long Island traffic cams</a> 
 PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/east-coast-storm-pummels-mid-atlantic-1.1745782%E2%80%9D">’Snowmaggedon’ pummels East Coast</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic Long Island snow storms</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-winter-on-long-island-2009-2010-1.1690828"> This winter on Long Island</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a>

LISNOW10.WEB

Gearing up for Wednesday's massive snowstorm

All flights to and from <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> MacArthur Airport Wednesday have been canceled, airport spokeswoman Catherine Green said Tuesday afternoon. 
The airport is served by <a href="/topics/Southwest_Airlines">Southwest Airlines</a> and US Airways. Both airlines have canceled all Wednesday flights to and from MacArthur, she said. 
The airport plans to keep its runways clear of snow, with snow removal operations scheduled to begin at 3 a.m., Green said. 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook</a> 
ALERTS:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> LIVE: Long Island traffic cams</a> 
 PHOTOS:<a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic snow storms</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-winter-on-long-island-2009-2010-1.1690828"> This winter on Long Island</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a> 
CLOSINGS: <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/long_island_school_closings/">Complete list of school and organization closings</a>

LIMACA10

MacArthur Airport cancels Wednesday flights

Anticipating a huge snowfall, New York City schools will be closed Wednesday, officials said. On <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>, Catholic schools will follow local public schools' lead, officials said. 
The city Department of Education made the decision Tuesday morning, a spokeswoman said. 
"It is supposed to be so bad, especially in the afternoon," said spokeswoman Marge Feinberg. "We might be able to transport children by bus in the morning, but that could be more difficult in the afternoon." 
In addition, all after-school activities, including Public School Athletic League events, have been canceled or postponed. 
"We are making this decision today to give parents as much time as possible to make alternative plans for tomorrow," Chancellor <a href="/topics/Joel_I_Klein">Joel Klein</a> said in a statement released by the department. 
Roman Catholic schools in Manhattan, Staten Island and the <a href="/topics/Bronx%2C_NY">Bronx</a> also will be closed Wednesday, said a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of New York's superintendent of schools. 
So far, Feinberg said, schools are only closed Wednesday. 
The National Weather Service is calling for accumulations of 8 to 13 inches Wednesday and "near-blizzard conditions." 
Updates will be posted at www.adnyeducation.org, spokeswoman Fran Davies said. 
On <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>, Catholic schools will follow the lead of local public schools, a spokeswoman for the Diocese of <a href="/topics/Rockville_Centre%2C_NY">Rockville Centre</a> said. 
Like city schools, most <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> private schools use the same bus service as public schools, the spokeswoman said. 
"Because of the bus situation, when the public schools close, so do the Catholic schools," she said. 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook</a> 
ALERTS:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> LIVE: Long Island traffic cams</a> 
 PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/east-coast-storm-pummels-mid-atlantic-1.1745782%E2%80%9D">’Snowmaggedon’ pummels East Coast</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic Long Island snow storms</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-winter-on-long-island-2009-2010-1.1690828"> This winter on Long Island</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a>

NYSKUL10

City, archdiocese announce school closures ahead of storm

Winter Storm

The Town of Hempstead has canceled all Parks and Recreation Department programs scheduled for Wednesday. 
The town also announced there will be no activities for participants in the ANCHOR Program for persons with special needs. The Department of Senior Enrichment has curtailed planned activities and will not offer transportation to senior centers. 
The Board of Appeals has also postponed all hearings scheduled for Thursday.
A statement issued by the town Tuesday afternoon said normal program schedules are expected to resume on Thursday.

LIHEMP10

Hempstead Town announces Wednesday cancellations

Most <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY"> Long Island</a> schools and organizations closed, canceled or postponed activities in anticipation of "near blizzard"&nbsp;conditions forecast for Wednesday. 
Among others, <a href="/topics/Amityville%2C_NY">Amityville</a>, <a href="/topics/Baldwin%2C_NY">Baldwin</a>, Bay&nbsp;Shore, <a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a>, Bethpage, Brentwood, East Meadow, Elmont, Franklin Square, Glen Cove, Hauppauge (modified day), Locust Valley, Long Beach, Malverne, Mineola, North Shore Central, Northport, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Wyandanch and <a href="/topics/Uniondale%2C_NY">Uniondale</a> school&nbsp;officials have announced their districts will be closed Wednesday, in addition to many others. 
MORE: <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/long_island_school_closings/">Complete list of school and organization closings</a> 
The Connetquot district&nbsp;announced that they will run a reduced day schedule, although that could change depending on the forecast. 
Below are some governmental closings that have been announced. 
MORE:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island-weather-forecast-calls-for-near-blizzard-8-to-13-inches-of-snow-1.1748353">LI weather forecast calls for 8 to 13 inches of snow</a> 
<hr width="50%"> 
<a href="/topics/Glen_Cove%2C_NY">Glen Cove</a> cleanup plan hearing postponed 
A public meeting about the Crown Dykman hazardous waste site in <a href="/topics/Glen_Cove%2C_NY">Glen Cove</a> scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed because of the expected heavy snowstorm. 
State environmental and health officials were to have discussed a proposed $1.7 million cleanup plan for the property, which is at 66 Herb Hill Rd. Dry-cleaning solvents and petroleum residue contaminate soil and groundwater there. The pollution came from laundries and an auto body shop that once occupied the site, officials said. 
The meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at Glen Cove City Hall. The public comment period on the land has been extended from March 1 to March 10. More information about the site is available at www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8431.html. - JENNIFER&nbsp;SMITH 
<hr width="50%"> 
Hearing on <a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a> White Castle postponed 
The <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> Board of Appeals has postponed a hearing on a 24-hour White Castle proposed for a <a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a> neighborhood because of Wednesday's expected storm. 
The hearing is postponed to Wednesday, March 17, at 9:30 a.m., the town said. 
Neighbors along St. Mark's Avenue in <a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a> are fighting the sale of four nearby properties -- a block of three houses and an auto body shop -- to White Castle, the 24-hour fast-food restaurant. 
Months of mounting opposition were set to culminate at the zoning board of appeals. 
Also postponed from Wednesday to March 17 is the Levittown Josato hearing. - GARY&nbsp;DYMSKI 
<hr width="50%"> 
Snow forecast forces postponement of rent hike hearing 
The Nassau Rent Guidelines Board has postponed a hearing Wednesday night in to discuss caps on rent hikes for tenants of about 13,000 private housing units, state officials said. 
The hearing has been rescheduled for Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in Great Neck Plaza Village Hall, located at 2 Gussack Plaza. 
The board sets annual limits on increases for rental housing under a state law designed to protect tenants from gouging in places with acute housing shortages. 
The rent adjustments would apply to the 12 months starting last October, according to the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal, which enforces the caps. - LAURA RIVERA 
<a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> announces program, hearing closings 
The Town of <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> has canceled all Parks and Recreation Department programs scheduled for Wednesday. 
The town also announced there will be no activities for participants in the ANCHOR Program for persons with special needs. The Department of Senior Enrichment has curtailed planned activities and will not offer transportation to senior centers. 
The Board of Appeals has also postponed all hearings scheduled for Thursday. 
A statement issued by the town Tuesday afternoon said normal program schedules are expected to resume on Thursday. -STAFF 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook</a> 
ALERTS:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> LIVE: Long Island traffic cams</a> 
 PHOTOS:<a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic snow storms</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-winter-on-long-island-2009-2010-1.1690828"> This winter on Long Island</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a>

ny-liclos0210

LI schools, governments announce Wednesday cancellations

liCOLDhs

Here are the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Rail_Road">Long Island Rail Road</a>'s plans for extra service on Wednesday: 
<a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a> Branch 
* 12:55 p.m. stopping at Woodside, <a href="/topics/Jamaica%2C_NY">Jamaica</a>, <a href="/topics/Mineola%2C_NY">Mineola</a>, <a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a>, then all stops to <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a> 
* 1:58 p.m. stopping at Woodside, <a href="/topics/Jamaica%2C_NY">Jamaica</a>, <a href="/topics/Mineola%2C_NY">Mineola</a>, <a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a>, then all stops to <a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a> 
Port Jefferson Branch to <a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a> and <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> 
* 2:09 p.m. stopping at <a href="/topics/Jamaica%2C_NY">Jamaica</a>, <a href="/topics/Carle_Place%2C_NY">Carle Place</a>, then all stops to <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> 
* 2:25 p.m. stopping at Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, <a href="/topics/Jamaica%2C_NY">Jamaica</a>, New Hyde Park, then all stops to <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> 
* 3:24 p.m. stopping at Jamaica, <a href="/topics/Mineola%2C_NY">Mineola</a>, Westbury and <a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a> 
Babylon Branch 
* 1:30 p.m. express to <a href="/topics/Rockville_Centre%2C_NY">Rockville Centre</a>, then all stops to Babylon 
* 1:53 p.m. stopping at Jamaica, <a href="/topics/Rockville_Centre%2C_NY">Rockville Centre</a>, then all stops to Babylon 
* 2:12 p.m. express to <a href="/topics/Rockville_Centre%2C_NY">Rockville Centre</a>, then all stops to Babylon 
* 2:22 p.m. express to <a href="/topics/Lynbrook%2C_NY">Lynbrook</a>, then all stops to Babylon 
* 3:00 p.m. stopping at Jamaica, <a href="/topics/Rockville_Centre%2C_NY">Rockville Centre</a>, then all stops to Babylon 
* 3:31 p.m. express to Rockville Centre, then all stops to Babylon 
<a href="/topics/Port_Washington%2C_NY">Port Washington</a> Branch to <a href="/topics/Great_Neck%2C_NY">Great Neck</a> 
* 3:40 p.m. stopping Woodside, Flushing-Main St., then all stops to <a href="/topics/Great_Neck%2C_NY">Great Neck</a> 
<a href="/topics/Far_Rockaway%2C_NY">Far Rockaway</a> Branch 
* 3:48 p.m. stopping at Jamaica, Locust Manor, Laurelton, Rosedale, Valley Stream, then all stops to <a href="/topics/Far_Rockaway%2C_NY">Far Rockaway</a> 
&nbsp; 
<a href="/topics/Ronkonkoma%2C_NY">Ronkonkoma</a>-<a href="/topics/Greenport%2C_NY">Greenport</a> service: 
After the morning rush, train service between Ronkonkoma and <a href="/topics/Greenport%2C_NY">Greenport</a> will be replaced with buses. 
&nbsp; 
Twenty-two eastbound trains from Penn Station will be either canceled or combined on Wednesday evening: 
* The 3:34 p.m. train from <a href="/topics/New_York%2C_NY">New York</a> due <a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a> at 4:29 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 3:46 p.m. from <a href="/topics/New_York%2C_NY">New York</a> to Babylon. 
* The 4:22 p.m. train from <a href="/topics/New_York%2C_NY">New York</a> due <a href="/topics/Port_Washington%2C_NY">Port Washington</a> at 4:58 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:25 p.m. from <a href="/topics/New_York%2C_NY">New York</a> that normally ends in <a href="/topics/Great_Neck%2C_NY">Great Neck</a> but will continue to <a href="/topics/Port_Washington%2C_NY">Port Washington</a>. 
* The 4:34 p.m. train from New York due Babylon 5:39 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:37 p.m. from New York that normally ends in <a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a> but will continue to Babylon. 
* The 4:43 p.m. train from New York due <a href="/topics/Port_Washington%2C_NY">Port Washington</a> at 5:21 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:46 p.m. from New York that normally ends in <a href="/topics/Great_Neck%2C_NY">Great Neck</a> but will continue to Port Washington. 
* The 4:57 p.m. train from New York due <a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a> 5:42 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:03 p.m. from New York that normally ends in <a href="/topics/Freeport%2C_NY">Freeport</a> but will continue to <a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a>. 
* The 5:11 p.m. train from New York due Port Washington 5:47 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:14 p.m. from New York that normally ends in Great Neck but will continue to Port Washington. 
* The 5:20 p.m. train from New York due <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> at 6:11 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:26 p.m. from New York to <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> with a stop at Jamaica. 
* The 5:19 p.m. train from New York due Wantagh 6:06 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:24 p.m. from New York that normally ends in <a href="/topics/Freeport%2C_NY">Freeport</a> but will continue to Wantagh. 
* The 5:26 p.m. train from New York due Port Washington 6:04 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:29 p.m. from New York that normally ends in Great Neck but will continue to Port Washington. 
* The 5:50 p.m. train from New York due Great Neck at 6:19 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:56 p.m. from New York to Great Neck. 
* The 5:40 p.m. train from New York due <a href="/topics/Seaford%2C_NY">Seaford</a> 6:30 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:47 p.m. from New York that normally ends in <a href="/topics/Freeport%2C_NY">Freeport</a> but will continue to <a href="/topics/Seaford%2C_NY">Seaford</a>. 
* The 6:05 p.m. train from New York due Wantagh 6:51 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 6:10 p.m. from New York that normally ends in <a href="/topics/Freeport%2C_NY">Freeport</a> but will continue to Wantagh. 
* The 6:11 p.m. train from New York due Port Washington 6:48 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 6:14 p.m. from New York that normally ends in Great Neck, but will continue to Port Washington. 
* The 6:33 p.m. train from New York due Babylon 7:35 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 6:36 p.m. from New York that normally ends in Wantagh but will continue to Babylon. 
* The 6:24 p.m. train from New York due Port Washington at 7:04 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 6:42 p.m. from New York that normally ends in Great Neck but will continue to Port Washington. 
* The 7:01 p.m. train from New York due Port Washington at 7:36 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 7:14 p.m. from New York that normally ends in Great Neck but will continue to Port Washington. 
* The 6:30 p.m. train from New York due <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> at 7:35 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 6:35 p.m. from New York that normally ends in Hicksville but will continue to Huntington. 
&nbsp; 
The following Wednesday evening trains from Atlantic Terminal in <a href="/topics/Brooklyn_Bridge%2C_NY">Brooklyn</a> will be canceled/combined: 
* The 4:39 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue due Babylon 5:52 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:57 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue to Babylon at 6:10 p.m. 
* The 4:31 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue due <a href="/topics/Far_Rockaway%2C_NY">Far Rockaway</a> 5:26 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:35 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue where they can change at Jamaica for another train to <a href="/topics/Far_Rockaway%2C_NY">Far Rockaway</a>. 
* The 5:19 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue due <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> 6:09 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:24 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue and change at Jamaica for a train to <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a>. 
* The 5:40 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue due <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> 6:32 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:46 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue and change at Jamaica for a <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> train. 
* The 5:29 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue due Huntington 6:28 p.m. will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:36 p.m. from Flatbush Avenue and transfer at Jamaica for a train to Huntington. 
Source: Long Island Rail Road

LISKED10

LIRR trains schedule changes for Wednesday snowstorm

snow LIRR tracks

Two simple safety measures - driving slower and staying well behind the car you are following - can reduce the risk of accidents during heavy snowfall and severe winter weather, said Ellen Melchionni, president of the New York Insurance Association, an Albany-based trade association.
With heavy snow predicted and just 10 days into February, Melchionni's advice is particularly timely. She cites a study by the <a href="/topics/National_Highway_Traffic_Safety_Administration">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a> that identifies February as the worst winter month for traffic accidents. 
In 2008, <a href="/topics/National_Highway_Traffic_Safety_Administration">NHTSA</a> reported 541,000 motor vehicle accidents for February - a rate of 249 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. That tops the annual rate of 199 accidents per 100 million miles traveled.
"Slow down," Melchionni said, "and increase the space between you and the car that's ahead of you."
Robert Sinclair Jr. of the AAA New York echoed Melchionni's advice. He said slowing down is the No. 1 safety tip for winter driving. "That and following distances should be increased," he said. "Vehicles can take nine times longer to stop on ice and snow, so increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you."
Sinclair also said that deep snow can plug an exhaust pipe, causing deadly carbon monoxide fumes to fill the interior of a vehicle. "Just get out and make sure the exhaust pipe is free and clear of snow," he said.
Here are some other common winter driving tips, as provided by the NYIA and AAA New York:
 
 Give yourself more time. Trips often take longer in winter because of storm conditions and icy roads.
 Clear ice and snow from front and rear windshields.
 Drive slowly. Accelerating, stopping and turning all take longer on snow-covered roads.
 Bridges and overpasses can be especially slippery.
 Avoid sudden stops and quick turns. 
 Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Vehicle exhaust can release carbon monoxide into living areas.
 Check tires for proper inflation for better traction.
 Keep the gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas-line freeze-up.
 Do not use the speed-control function on slick surfaces.
 Use seat belts every time.
 Just in case you get stuck, pack a cell phone, extra blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication.
 If your vehicle becomes disabled, stay in it. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
 Stay home. Don't go out unless you have to. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can.

TXTSNOW10

Driving safely in snow: slow speed, keep distance

Wednesday's snowstorm prompted the <a href="/topics/New_York_City_Council">New York City Council</a> to postpone a hearing on the venue of the Sept. 11 conspiracy trial in <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a>, said a spokeswoman for Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., who originally scheduled it. 
The hearing, initially set for Wednesday at 1 p.m., has been rescheduled for Friday at the same time, said a Vallone aide.
Vallone said on Monday the hearing was designed to give New Yorkers a forum to raise concerns about the terror trial of Khalid Sheikh <a href="/topics/Khalid_Sheikh_Mohammed">Mohammed</a> and four others planned in lower <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a>'s federal court. Vallone, who is chair of the Council Committee on Public Safety, called for the hearing a day after President <a href="/topics/Barack_Obama">Barack Obama</a> said he had not made up his mind about pulling the trial out of the city in the face of stiff public and political pressure.
But whenever the hearing takes place, it was unclear if any public officials of note would testify. City Hall said neither Mayor Michael Bloomberg nor any of his commissioners would appear. Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford), an opponent of civilian trials for suspect Mohammed and his four alleged accomplices, said he would like to testify, but as of Tuesday morning hadn't received an invitation.

NYCOUN10

Storm warning prompts 9/11 trial hearing postponement

Long Island is forecast to get hit by a major winter storm beginning late tonight that will likely make Wednesday's commute a nightmare. 
MORE:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island-weather-forecast-calls-for-near-blizzard-8-to-13-inches-of-snow-1.1748353">LI&nbsp;forecast to get hit by a snowstorm</a> 
As of 4:03 p.m., the <a href="/topics/National_Weather_Service">National Weather Service</a> is calling for accumulations of 10 to 16 inches and "near blizzard conditions." 
The latest forecast is for the snow to start late this evening, with sleet mixed in during the morning rush hour. 
High winds are expected through the day, with the snow forecast to taper off Wednesday night. 
Long Island will be under a winter storm warning from 10 p.m. tonight through 6 a.m. Thursday. 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/snow-storm-wallops-east-coast-1.895587">'Snowmageddon' wallops East Coast</a> 
PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-winter-on-long-island-2009-2010-1.1690828">LI’s winter storms 2009-2010</a> 
VIDEO: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/li-afternoon-weather-snow-storm-watch-1.1751019"> Click here to watch the latest forecast from News 12</a> 
What's the difference between the upcoming winter storm and the one that buried the mid-Atlantic and just missed Long Island? 
It's all about the tracking, meteorologist Brian Ciemnecki of the Weather Service in Upton said Monday. 
"The last storm tracked south, toward <a href="/topics/Virginia">Virginia</a> and <a href="/topics/Maryland">Maryland</a>, and then pushed out east," Ciemnecki said Monday. "This next system looks as if it is going to be moving out of the Ohio Valley and develop into a coastal low, moving south and east into Long Island." 
The service said there's the potential for higher amounts, up to 18 inches, closer to the coast. 
"But it is still early, and it all depends on the tracking," he said. "We could get less, but it looks like this will be a significant event," Ciemnecki said. 
The Long Island Rail Road is prepared to suspend some service should the snowfall prediction hold up, a spokesman said. 
For the <a href="/topics/LIRR">LIRR</a>, the critical snowfall is between 10 inches and 13 inches, spokesman Joe Calderone said. 
"Most of the electric trains on our tracks draw power from the third rail, which is between 10 and 13 inches high on the line," he said. "When snow gets above 10 inches, it can be an issue because it can severely impact our operations." 
Long Islanders were spared the major snowstorm that buried Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and parts of New Jersey. 
As for the coming storm, there is a chance it could track east of Montauk Point, sparing much of the area again. "It's early," Ciemnecki said, "and the forecast could change." 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook</a> 
ALERTS:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> LIVE: Long Island traffic cams</a> 
 PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/snow-storm-wallops-east-coast-1.895587">'Snowmageddon' wallops East Coast</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic LI snow storms</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-winter-on-long-island-2009-2010-1.1690828"> 2009-2010 winter on LI</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a>

LISNOW09

Long Island weather forecast calls for 'near blizzard,' 10 to 16 inches of snow

liSNOWeb

Some of the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Rail_Road">Long Island Rail Road</a> commuters at the Flatbush station said Tuesday they had made tentative plans ahead of Wednesday's snowstorm, but most seemed to be taking the chilly news in stride. 
"Is the weather really going to be that bad?" asked Joyce Bigelow, 44, an attorney from <a href="/topics/Rockville_Centre%2C_NY">Rockville Centre</a>, who had a court appearance in the city Tuesday morning. 
Regarding Wednesday, she said she "lucked out" and will be appearing in a Long Island court. But she would have made the trek to the city if she had to. 
"I would have tried to come in unless the courts are closed," she said. "It's up to the courts, but if they are open, you should try to come." 
Larry Katz, 68, an attorney from <a href="/topics/East_Northport%2C_NY">East Northport</a>, had already been absolved of his court work Wednesday - a hearing had already been canceled. 
"If you are going to try and rob me tomorrow, I am going to be home," joked Katz, who was returning from <a href="/topics/Manhattan">Manhattan</a> following a deposition hearing. "The last big snowstorm we had, my car had to be pushed out of snowdrifts four or five times." 
Charles Ramsey, 41, of Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, who teaches private music lessons weekly in <a href="/topics/Woodmere%2C_NY">Woodmere</a>, said the storm wasn't on his radar. "I don't really believe it until it happens," he said. 
But regardless of what Mother Nature may throw at him, he has faith he would get home somehow. 
"You don't want to get stranded, but it's not so far away that I can't make my way over to the A train at <a href="/topics/Far_Rockaway%2C_NY">Far Rockaway</a>," he said. 
<a href="/topics/Greg_Murphy">Greg Murphy</a>, 22, an <a href="/topics/Island_Park%2C_NY">Island Park</a> native studying at Brooklyn Law School, said he was hopeful he would not have to make the trek to his internship at a <a href="/topics/Hempstead%2C_NY">Hempstead</a> law firm. 
"I am just, like, an intern, so I might not have to go tomorrow," he said. "We'll see. I'm hoping. That would be nice." 
Anthony Sykes, 50, a custodian at Brooklyn Public Library, is one person who will likely have to go to work if the library remains open. 
"If it snows heavy, tomorrow is a big day for me," said Sykes, of Springfield Gardens, Queens. "But then again, they may close the library and tell us not to come." 
He won't know until he calls the city emergency line in the morning, but in his three years on the job, he has yet to have a snow day. 
He is not concerned. He said with the economy the way it is, he is just happy to have a job. 
While city schools will be closed, Ireen Ahmed, 21, of <a href="/topics/Mineola%2C_NY">Mineola</a>, said she had no word if she would have to go to class at Brooklyn College. "They never cancel a class unless there is an MTA strike. But not for a snow day." 
WEATHER:<a href="http://weather.newsday.com/"> Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook</a> 
ALERTS:<a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/statusupdates/"> School and organization closings</a> | <a href="http://longisland.newsday.com/newsday/traffic/?tab=cams&amp;id=6310"> LIVE: Long Island traffic cams</a> 
 PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/east-coast-storm-pummels-mid-atlantic-1.1745782%E2%80%9D">’Snowmaggedon’ pummels East Coast</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-li-snow-scenes-from-the-archives-1.203376"> Classic Long Island snow storms</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/photos-winter-on-long-island-2009-2010-1.1690828"> This winter on Long Island</a> | <a href="http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/pets/animals-in-the-snow-1.895669">Animals in the snow!</a>

TXTCOMM10

At Flatbush LIRR, taking storm forecast in stride

COMPLETE COVERAGE: LI walloped by February snowstorm

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