Long Islanders seek warmth during dangerous cold snap

Over a dozen senior centers in the town of Hempstead had extended hours and were popular places for some residents to end the workweek.

News 12 Staff

Feb 3, 2023, 10:33 AM

Updated 679 days ago

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Long Islanders were bundled up Friday as bitter cold temperatures hit the region.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it keeps station waiting areas open overnight during the freezing weather.
Over a dozen senior centers in the town of Hempstead had extended hours and were popular places for some residents to end the workweek.
"We're monitoring. If need be, we'll keep them open later just so people can stay warm," says Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin. "These are brutal temperatures; you don't want to be outside."
Barbara Keller, of Baldwin, spent the day inside playing bingo. She said later she plans on going to the library for a movie.
Mechanics at Long Island Automotive in Baldwin say the cold weather can cause a lot of damage to cars. They say batteries can fail and tires can deflate so experts recommend keeping up on basic maintenance, so you don't get stuck in the cold.
"Check tire pressure, make sure your radiator is filled with antifreeze, topped off basically, all fluids are topped off," says Johnny Paul, of Long Island Automotive.
Meanwhile, warming centers have been set up across Long Island.
In Nassau County, Wantagh Park is open until 4:45 p.m., Cantiague Park in Hicksville until 8:30 p.m. and a 24-hour center is open in Uniondale at Michel Field.
In Suffolk, Clark Gillies Dix Hills Ice Rink is open until midnight.
Highway and water crews will also be keeping a close eye on water main breaks during the cold snap. Plumbers also tell News 12 they expect to be busy with frozen pipes.