Hempstead Town Says It's Ready For Winter Storm

HEMPSTEAD TOWN, NY — The Town of Hempstead is gearing up for the first major winter storm of the season, which is expected to drop a foot or more of snow across the township.

The town's snow removal crew includes more than 165 plows, 40 payloaders, 40 pickup trucks, two tractor trailers and 13 rental trucks equipped with plows. The town has more than 20,000 tons of slat on hand, ready to clear more than 1,200 miles of roads and 121 parking lots.

“The Town of Hempstead stands at the ready to respond to this first major snowstorm of 2020,” said Town Supervisor Donald Clavin. “We encourage all residents to take this storm seriously. Stock up on basic essentials, make sure your elderly family members and friends have a warm place to stay, and, most importantly, please stay off the roads to allow our snow removal crews to clean the town’s 1,200 miles of roadways and more than 120 parking fields as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible.”

Clavin said he is in constant communication with his Town Board colleagues as well as department heads and commissioners to coordinate the snow response, as well as any changes to programs and services.

Due to the storm, the town has canceled its free COVID-19 mobile testing conducted by Northwell Health at Echo Park, on Wednesday and Thursday. Northwell has added two new dates — Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Book an appointment by calling 516-821-2500. All Senior Enrichment programs – including transportation, shopping trips, lunch program and Long Island Cares food banks – are cancelled on Thursday. Programs are scheduled to resume as scheduled on Friday. Wednesday evening programs at Camp ANCHOR have been cancelled.

Residents should take the following precautions in anticipation of the storm:

• Ensure you have a supply of food, water and other essentials to last a few days.
• Keep a supply of flashlights, candles and batteries on hand.
• Be sure that your vehicle has a full tank of gas and is prepared for the weather if it becomes necessary to travel.
• Keep a shovel in an accessible place.
• Get a carbon monoxide detector.

In the aftermath of the storm, residents can visit the town storm response page to report locations that may need additional plowing or salting. Supervisor Clavin also directed residents to visit the town website and the town’s Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up-to-date on all the latest developments.