‘I came on a mission.’ Residents prepare as heavy snow targets Long Island
As a potential blizzard approaches Long Island, residents are rushing to stock up on snow shovels, ice melt and fuel ahead of heavy snowfall expected Sunday night. Long Island Hardware in Suffolk County say they’re staying open and fully stocked as shoppers make last-minute preparations.
More Stories
Residents across Long Island are making last‑minute preparations as a potential blizzard is expected to bring heavy snow to the region Sunday night.
Long Island Hardware reported a surge of customers Saturday, with many shoppers stocking up on essentials before conditions worsen.
Keri Smith said she arrived with a specific goal.
“I came on a mission to get snow melt and a new shovel,” Smith said. “We had a push shovel last storm, but the snow got so heavy it broke.”
With another major winter storm on the way, residents are loading up on supplies ranging from ice melt to fuel.
Scott Lauria, assistant manager at Long Island Hardware, said business has not been this busy since January’s snowstorm.
“We did run low for a bit,” Lauria said. “But we’ve since restocked. Shovels, gas cans, fuel, all of it.”
Lauria said the two most popular items flying off the shelves Saturday were ice melt and snow shovels.
Some shoppers said they had trouble finding supplies at larger retailers. Smith noted she came up empty at Walmart and Tractor Supply Co. before heading to the local hardware store.
“They had nothing,” she said. “So this is my one‑stop shop.”
While some customers were just beginning to prepare, others were making multiple trips to ensure they had enough supplies.
“This is my third trip,” said Richard LaForce. “So hopefully we can put the whole family to work and get ahead of this thing.”
Lauria said the store plans to remain open and ready to serve the community even as the snow begins to fall.
“I expect tomorrow to be just as busy,” he said. “Once the heavier snow starts coming down, we’ll be here and ready to go.”
With heavy snowfall expected to begin Sunday night across Suffolk County, store managers are urging residents to prepare now, before road conditions deteriorate and travel becomes more difficult.
'Safety for every person.' Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin discusses highway department's snow storm preps
Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin spoke to News 12 about the highway department's preparations ahead Sunday's major snowstorm.
