Gearing up for Wednesday's massive snowstorm

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 Long Island. Forecasters say the heaviest snow will fall between 1 and 7 p.m.

"Basically, during the evening rush," said Richard Castro, of the National Weather Service in Upton.

With 10 to 16 inches predicted for Long Island, school districts, airlines and municipal governments announced cancellations and postponements.

CLOSINGS: Click here to see if your school or group has announced it will be closed

Schools

Most public schools will be closed. Check newsday.com for the latest closings.

Airline flights

All flights to and from Long Island MacArthur Airport Wednesday have been canceled, airport spokeswoman Catherine Green said. The airport is served by Southwest Airlines and US Airways. 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, US Airways canceled all flight operations at LaGuardia, and Continental Airlines canceled all flights after 8 a.m. At Kennedy, Delta, JetBlue and American Airlines 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 Yaphank 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 Manhattan 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: Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook

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