‘Major winter storm event’ to close in on Suffolk 2 p.m. Wednesday

A mix of snow, sleet and rain is expected to hit Suffolk County Wednesday afternoon for what Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has called a “major winter storm event.”

Officials predict the storm will hit Suffolk around 2 p.m. Wednesday, and is expected to worsen at night and into Thursday morning. Winds could reach 50 mph, Bellone said Tuesday.

Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron the County began preparing “high-action, military surplus vehicles” and personnel Monday to address anticipated snow and possible flooding.

High winds will “create extremely difficult conditions for the plow operators” and Department of Public Works personnel, Bellone said, who will be working overnight to clear snow from the roadways. It could also create “dangerous” white-out conditions for drivers.

“It’s clear this will hit us,” Bellone said. “This will be a major winter storm event.”

This storm is expected to impact two rush-hour traffic patterns: Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, Cameron said. He urged people to work remotely Wednesday or leave their workplaces early, prior to the anticipated 2 p.m. onset.

The National Weather Service has issued a “Winter Storm Watch” for all of Suffolk County for Wednesday afternoon into Thursday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, 13 inches of snow is expected in Islip hamlet and the surrounding area.

The wintry mix of snow, rain, sleet and high winds heightens the likelihood of power outages, Bellone said. The County is working closely with PSEG to ensure power is kept on and restored.

The south shore of Suffolk and other low-lying areas will be monitored closely by the County for flooding.