Village Prepping for Blizzard

Garden City could see anywhere from 6 to 15 inches of snow this weekend as a blizzard prepares to slam much of the Northeast Friday and Saturday.

No matter what the accumulation, the village of Garden City isn't taking any chances.

"All trucks have plows on. Sanders are loaded and we are taking final steps to look over all trucks today so we can get right out when the storm hits," Department of Public Works deputy superintendent Domenick Stanco told Patch Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a blizzard warning is in effect for Nassau County beginning 6 a.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday.

The current forecast calls for snow before 1 p.m., then rain between 1 and 4 p.m., then rain and snow after 4 p.m. Snow accumulations of 2-4 inches are possible with wind gusts as high as 39 mph.

Friday night brings more snow, which, according to the NWS, could be heavy at times. New accumulation of 6 to 10 inches are possible.

Snow will likely continue Saturday, mainly before 10 a.m. possibly dropping an additional inch before the storm clears out. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent as of 5 p.m. Thursday.

The village is equipped with 35 combined large and small plow trucks; nine of which have sand/salters on them, Stanco said, adding that five payloaders and three backhoe loaders are also ready to be used during snow cleanup efforts.

When snow begins to fall, sand/salting of roadways and parking lots begins, according to standard operating procedure.

"If the snow continues to fall excessively and accumulates to a point where sand/salting cannot control we will call in additional crews to help begin the snowplowing operation," Stanco said.

Hills, curves and primary roads like Hilton Avenue are tackled first, then secondary roads and parking fields are addressed.

"The first pass with our trucks plowing tandem will open all roadways throughout the village," Stanco said. "We will continue to monitor roadways and parking lots for additional cleaning and plow the roads curb to curb and then clean up parking lots. After snow is cleaned up everything gets sand/salted again."

DPW mechanics will also work during the storm to keep the village's fleet "up and running."

With 77 miles of village streets to clear, Stanco said crews typically begin preparing 36 to 48 hours before a major weather event. Staff from the Parks/Recreation Department does assist the Department of Public Works in clean up efforts.

NWS issues a blizzard warning when severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely which will lead to whiteout conditions. The NWS advises residents do not travel.

Are you prepared for the storm?