Emergency Weather Update From Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman Limiting Civilian Vehicle Operation During The Peak Of The Storm
2/21/2026
Emergency Weather Update From Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
Limiting Civilian Vehicle Operation During The Peak Of The Storm
“The latest projection from the National Weather Service has determined a strong probability that a blizzard will create accumulations over 18 inches and potentially up to 2 feet of snow, with winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour. This is a major blizzard that will bring major accumulations and dangerous conditions. All non-essential vehicles should be off public roads and highways from 9 p.m. Sunday night until 11 a.m. Monday morning. Essential vehicles shall include all emergency vehicles, as well as those operated by municipal workers, doctors, nurses, hospital workers, and other essential personnel. All other vehicles are banned from operating on public roadways.
- County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Information for Employees
Colleagues - For your safety, nonessential services at Nassau County offices will be delayed until 12:00 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026. This delay will allow roadways to be properly plowed and made safe for travel.
Essential CSEA and Ordinance employees directed by their Department Head to report to and/or remain at work before the delay will receive compensatory time at straight time, hour for hour, for each hour actually worked from the start of their regular shift on Monday, February 23, 2026 through noon of that day.
Nonessential CSEA and Ordinance employees not required to report to work before 12:00 PM, shall be deemed absent with pay from the start of their regular shift on Monday, February 23, 2026 and until noon. Those nonessential employees who will be absent the remainder of their shift will need to notify their supervisor accordingly and utilize accrued leave for their absence for the balance of their work day.
Any employee who had previously submitted a time off request, whether verbally or via a paper/electronic time off request submission (by 3:00 PM on February 22, 2026), will be charged for that day accordingly. Please stay safe and use caution while traveling.
Weather Information
National Weather Service experts are citing the potential for 18-24 inches of snowfall. The storm is predicted to begin early Sunday morning and continue through Monday morning. Snowfall rates during the day on Sunday will be heaviest between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., at 1-2 inches per hour. The conditions will create low visibility and extremely hazardous road conditions.
County Response
County Executive Blakeman has issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency due to this storm. The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management is fully staffed and prepared to respond to evolving conditions. The Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 9 a.m. Sunday morning and will remain staffed with local and state partners throughout the storm.
Seventy-five trucks will work to keep local roads and highways clear. The Nassau County Department of Public Works will respond to clear fallen trees and branches as needed.
Two warming centers will remain open until conditions improve. Men and families will be welcomed at 1200 Old Country Road in Westbury, and women can take shelter at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Uniondale at 1 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard.
What Residents Should Do
Residents are encouraged to stay home and off roadways. If anyone must go out, they should drive slowly and carefully. Be sure to charge your cell phones and have emergency supplies ready, including flashlights, first aid kits, and food and water.
Once conditions become safer, check on neighbors and family members to see if they need help. Assist local response efforts by shoveling near and around hydrants and moving cars into driveways so snowplows can clear streets.
In the event of a power outage or downed power lines, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric service number at 800-490-0075. To allow emergency personnel to be most effective, do not tie up emergency phone lines with non-emergency calls.