Winter's First Snow Blankets West Islip

The first measurable snow of winter 2012 fell on West Islip as accumulations of up to four inches were seen across the hamlet.

Snow began falling in West Islip in the overnight hours and by daybreak, a coating of perhaps two inches covered the ground. Around noontime, the snow changed to a mix of sleet, snow and freezing rain.

Most main streets and side streets throughout West Islip appeared to be plowed and street-clearing teams could be seen throughout the community during the afternoon hours.

On Friday, Islip Supervisor Tom Croci said the town had stockpiled 5,300 tons of salt, 12,000 cubic yards of sand, and 5,500 cubic yards of a sand/salt mixture. Depending on the severity of a storm, up to 139 Town-owned plows and sanders could be deployed, as well as an additional 165 privately-owned plows.

But if the forecast for the next few days proves correct, the snow will not be here for long. According to Weather.com, Sunday’s forecast calls for a partly cloudy day with a high temperature of 37 degrees, while the outlook for Monday has showers in the forecast with a high of 51 degrees.

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