Traffic on the westbound Long Island Expressway Saturday.

Traffic on the westbound Long Island Expressway Saturday. Credit: Newsday / Howard Schnapp

Long Island traffic crawled on first day of LIRR strike. Just wait 'til Monday, experts say.

Many of Long Island's roads and major arteries into the city slowed to a crawl on Saturday, the first day of the Long Island Rail Road strike. And while experts say it can't all be pinned on the halted service — ideal weather, crashes and other road issues can all affect traffic — they predicted it was a precursor to tortuous driving during Monday's rush hour, if the strike continues.

"I think gridlocks like we’ve never seen before will happen," said Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs at AAA Northeast. "There really are no good alternatives."

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us 'Out East' and visits a few popular spots and a few local gems. Credit: Brian Jingeleski, Randee Daddona, Anthony Florio, Morgan Campbell

Out East Show: A trip to Splish Splash, Dining al fresco, Arts Center at Duck Creek NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us 'Out East' and visits a few popular spots and a few local gems.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME