Warnings from meteorologists came true as a massive winter storm, nicknamed Fern, bashed Long Island, dumping more than a foot of snow across much of the region and creating hazardous conditions from coast to coast.
Ahead of the storm, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine declared a state of emergency, triggering a full-scale response that included plows, salters, and sanders from the state, county, towns, and villages, along with numerous private contractors. Crews worked through the night to keep roads passable and critical infrastructure accessible. By the time the storm had passed, major roadways across Suffolk and Nassau were largely cleared and open.
Snowfall totals were significant. In Suffolk County, Setauket led with 13.5 inches, followed closely by Smithtown at 13.0 inches, Islip at 12.9 inches, and North Shirley with 11.8 inches. Nassau County saw even higher totals in some areas, with Centre Island recording 15.3 inches and Levittown measuring 13.1 inches.
The storm brought a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with the sleet likely knocking down some of the overall snow accumulation. Despite the intensity of the storm, police in both Nassau and Suffolk counties reported no major weather-related crashes or widespread road closures. Traffic moved relatively smoothly during the height of the storm, and power outages remained limited, with only isolated disruptions reported.
Forecasters had tracked the system from the southwestern United States to New England for days, allowing officials to prepare in advance. Bitter cold preceded the storm, keeping temperatures below freezing with wind chills in the teens, limiting heavy, wet snow that often causes tree damage and power failures.
Officials are urging residents to stay off frozen ponds and lakes. Ice thickness is difficult to judge, and recent rescues underscore the danger posed by deceptively thin ice across Long Island.