Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined together with Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini, Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Joe Williams and the Department of Public Works Commissioner Gil Anderson warn the public to provide the news regarding Winter Storm Stella. Imminent blizzard conditions, flooding and wind gust up to 60 MPH are expected to begin this evening and continue throughout Tuesday.
As Winter Storm Stella makes its way across the Mid-West, a low pressure system will collide with it as it hits the East Coast, which is bad news for Long Island. The National Weather service is reporting an extreme increase in strength for the storm, which is referred to as a weather bomb or Bombogenesis. Power outages are expected for Suffolk County in addition to potential flooding, falling trees and snowfall expected to accumulate between 12 and 18 inches. The County will continue to keep the media and the public informed with the latest updates pertaining to snow removal operations, emergency procedures, available County services and County road conditions.
In the meantime, we ask that our readers take all necessary precautions in the event of an emergency or power outage during this super storm.
Before the Storm:
- Make sure you have extra batteries and working flashlights
- Charge all cell phones and keep a spare power source that operates on batteries or solar power handy.
- Have a battery powered radio handy to stay informed regarding emergency updates
- Stock up on extra basic essentials like food, water and any medicines you take regularly.
- Make sure your First Aid kit is well stocked
- Have an Emergency heating source ready in the event of a power outage
- Keep a Fire extinguisher handy
- Double check and replace any old batteries on all Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
- Call your elderly family members and neighbors and offer your home as a place to ride out the storm. If they refuse, offer them a spare cell phone for emergencies.
- Make arrangements to keep all outdoor pets inside for the duration of the storm. This is NOT a survivable storm for Dogs and Cats. If you see a neglected animal, call a local animal shelter or offer to take the pet indoors with you for the duration of the storm.
- Fuel up all cars and trucks and stock them with a cell phone charger, extra first aid or roadside emergency kits, bottled water and snacks. Call family members ahead of time and give an estimated time of arrival home in the event you are traveling during the blizzard.
Check back at the end of today, for a current update from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Emergency personnel. Visit Suffolk County Executive, Steve Bellone‘s Facebook page for blizzard updates throughout the day.