February 2nd, 2022 – Officially classified a blizzard in Suffolk County, the past weekend’s winter storm left the second-highest daily snowfall amount of record for Long Island. Town crews have been on the roads since before the start of the storm Friday evening, working to prep and clear roads. A measured total of over 2 feet in many areas landed in the Town of Islip, marking a worthy challenge for Town crews, who by Monday morning returned roads to 98% passable, and as of Wednesday afternoon cleared over 1,300 miles of roadways.

“Predictions for this storm indicated a significant quantity of snow for our area,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “Special thanks are in order for our DPW, Parks and DEC crews who were not only prepared to meet this challenge head-on, but worked extended shifts for a consecutive four days in order to make safe Town roads, and to our Public Safety officers, who patrolled our streets in these treacherous conditions to ensure residents’ safety,” the Supervisor added. “We must also extend our gratitude to the community for helping to keep roads clear. Plows were able to work most effectively where residents kept roads free of obstruction, and moved vehicles away from curbs and into their driveways or onto their lawns.”

Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, working alongside DPW and Public Safety officials, had declared a state of emergency by 3PM, Friday, January 29th preceding the near-record snowfall. Following the declaration, over 6,000 tons of salt was dropped along roads between Friday afternoon and Monday evening.

“Town crews are continuing to maintain roadways, pushing slush off the road, mitigating the challenges of piled snow where cars were previously parked, as well as pushing back corners to increase safety for our residents,” said Tom Owens, Commissioner, DPW and Parks and Recreation. “In addition, rising temperatures are expected to bring some flooding, so DPW crews will be opening up drains throughout the Town while addressing the aftermath of the storm,” the Commissioner added.

Town officials are asking that residents be mindful that it is the responsibility of each property owner or occupant, to clear the snow off their sidewalk to make it safe for the walking public.

“Many within our community walk to school and work. I am asking everyone to please do their part to maintain a sidewalk free from dangerous obstruction,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.