Storm Update: Strong Winds, Canceled Railroad Service and Snow Drifts Remain a Problem After Blizzard

The blizzard that tore through Long Island last night has left in its wake snowdrifts and stranded cars causing the to suspend all service in both directions. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory and Long Island Power Authority is reporting minimal scattered outages in the Port Jefferson area.

The National Weather Service has a winter weather advisory in effect for the area until midnight tonight. Northwest winds are expected to continue today blowing between 33 and 36 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph, kicking up snow and causing drifts. Today's forecast is for clouds to gradually give way to sun with a high near 27.

Last night the LIRR has announced that because of the blizzard it suspended passenger service system wide in both directions. As of 11:15 a.m. that suspension was still in effect. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority MTA said that train service will be suspended until safe and reliable service can be restored.

"LIRR personnel are working to clear snow from the switches and tracks, however high wind gusts and drifting snow are making the recovery efforts challenging," the MTA reported on its website. "In addition, a number of stranded autos on LIRR tracks have hampered the recovery."

According to LIPA, as of 11:15 a.m. less than 15 homes in the towns of Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station and Belle Terre are experiencing power outages. LIPA says that it has brought in additional in-house crews to help restore service disruptions across Long Island.

"Hazardous road conditions and powerful winds may delay our crews who are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service," said Mark Gross, a LIPA spokesman.

Gross also warned people not to go near any downed power lines if they see them. Instead they should call LIPA at 1-800-490-0075 to report it.

Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant said that village crews have been out helping to clear snow. Yesterday the village declared a state of emergency.

"I'm asking residents to go out only if necessary to allow our highway department to continue to do their work," said Mayor Garant. "I also want to remind both residents and business owners that they are responsible for their sidewalk snow removal to allow access for pedestrians."

She said that village sidewalks are maintained by the highway department.

"Please call village Code at 744-0066 in the event of an emergency," she said.

The Port Jefferson Village Code office said that there were no major accidents reported so far.

"The plows are out today and they're working on parking lots right now," said an officer who answered the phone. "I've haven't had any trouble getting around yet."

The officer who identified himself only as Vinnie said that business owners were out clearing the sidewalks in front of their stores.

Suffolk County Police reported that there were no fatalities or major traffic incidents yesterday.