West Islip FD Issues Snow Storm Requests as Artic Blast Approaches

West Islip, like most of Long Island, is likely to be hit with another artic cold blast complete with a decent snowfall today and the West Islip Fire Department is hoping residents will help out on several fronts to ensure road safety and help out potential fire response activities.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the New York City metro area east across Long Island from noon Tuesday through 6 a.m Wednesday. Snow showers and flurries will begin early Tuesday morning and get steadier and heavier as the day progresses.

West Islip Fire Department Chief Blaise J Gemellaro is asking residents to try to keep from parking cars on streets during the storm, and to refrain from driving unless it's an emergency situation.

"Removing cars from the street can help plows go through without obstacles," Gemellaro stated in an email to Patch.

The chief is also asking residents living near fire hydrants to help make sure the hydrants stay clear of snow and can be easily seen from the street for any needed fire response.

"We also ask that residents drive only if necessary during the storms hours, and always yield the right if way to an emergency vehicle," he added.

Snow is expected to end late Tuesday night and by daybreak on Wednesday, with some snow showers and flurries still ongoing early Wednesday morning on the East End.

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the arctic cold front will be first in a series of arctic "surges" plunging southeast across the region through at least Friday.