Winter Storm Pax: Up-to-the Minute Weather and Travel Information

LongIsland.com

Here's the latest weather and travel information as winter storm Pax continues to slam Long Island.

Print Email

As Winter storm Pax continues to slam Long Island with heavy snow, ice and freezing rain, driving conditions are treacherous, airlines have canceled flights, LIRR lines are running with delays or service changes and bus schedules have been interrupted. Here’s the latest weather forecast, along with up-to-date travel information:

WEATHER UPDATE
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning that remains in effect until 6 a.m. Friday for Nassau and Suffolk counties with snow accumulations from 10 to 16 inches in Nassau and 8 to 14 inches in Suffolk. Temperatures remain in the lower 30s and winds are out of the north with gusts up to 45 mph. Freezing rain will change back to moderate snow in Suffolk County and moderate to heavy snow in Nassau County tonight, tapering off late tonight in Suffolk and after midnight in Nassau.

ROADWAYS
Although plows have been working to clear the roads, the impact of the storm will make travel treacherous. Traffic is moving slowly, and visibility on the roads is one-quarter mile or less. Significant delays and detours are possible especially along the North Shore. Additionally, heavy wet snow could bring down tree limbs and power lines. When traveling, be sure to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

LIRR
The LIRR is running with delays and service changes on most of its lines. Be sure to check LongIsland.com’s 24-hour Travel Information Line for up-to-the minute train schedules, weather advisories and delays. Crews were out with rail-mounted snow fighting equipment and special cars modified to put antifreeze on third rails (see photo at bottom), along with extra personnel to keep platforms clear of snow and ice. The railroad will activate switch heaters and will run trains throughout the night to patrol for weather-related problems.

MTA METRO NORTH
MTA Metro-North Railroad will begin hourly service at 4 p.m. due to higher-than-predicted snow accumulations. Some local and express trains that serve adjacent stations are being combined and making additional stops. Changing weather conditions may lead to additional trains being combined. To see details, click here.

NASSAU INTER-COUNTY EXPRESS (NICE)
As the freezing rain/snow mix turns back into snow for the afternoon commute, major delays and detours are likely through Friday morning, especially along the North Shore. For the latest information, visit NICE Storm Watch. NICE reminds travelers to plan their trip accordingly and to use caution when boarding and exiting buses.

LONG ISLAND MACARTHUR AIRPORT
A travel advisory as of 10 a.m. Thursday remains in effect.  Southwest Airlines, US Airways Express and PenAir have cancelled all flights out of MacArthur Airport today.  For the most up-to-date information on flight schedules, delays, and weather conditions for Long Island Airports, visit LongIsland.com’s comprehensive air travel resource.

[Sources: NWS, MTA, NICE]

Photos via MTA 's LIRR Official Facebook Page.

 

Photos

 

Videos