Snow piles and school delays amid nor'easter aftermath in Tri-State area

Monday, January 31, 2022

Kristin Thorne repeorts from West Islip, which saw the highest snow totals from the weekend nor'easter.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The curbside and parking lot snow mountains are back across the Tri-State area as residents and businesses continue digging out from our weekend nor'easter.

On Long Island, Bayshore, Hampton Bays and Patchogue-Medford were among a number of school districts posting two-hour delays Monday morning.

It comes just 48 hours after close to two feet of snow dumped on Long Island and at least three people died shoveling snow.

Two of the victims, ages 53 and 75, were in Syosset, Nassau County. They suffered fatal heart attacks while shoveling snow, the county executive said.

A third man, in Cutchogue, Suffolk County, died after falling into a swimming pool while he was shoveling snow.

SNOW TOTALS | How much snow fell in NYC and the Tri-State area?

Meantime, the snowstorm dig-out continued in eastern Queens, which saw a foot of snow fall Friday into Saturday.

The city Sanitation Department said snow clearing efforts would continue Monday. Some side streets remained icy and slushy 48 hours after the snow fell, as frigid temperatures lingered.

On Westmoreland Street in Little Neck, Ellie Hieber had to shovel out space next to the curb in order to park her front-wheel drive Toyota Camry. Hieber commuted to work from Suffolk County.

Eyewitness News reporter Derick Waller helps Ellie Hieber of Suffolk County shovel out a parking space on Westmoreland Street in Little Neck, Queens.

"I just wish the side streets were better, but I know once the sun comes out it will all melt, but it's like ice," Hieber said, "And it's really hard to get maneuvered and find a parking spot for work, so I'm ready for spring."

The Sanitation Department said limited trash collection would resume Monday, but to expect delays.

The agency is also urging neighbors to clear sidewalks in front of their homes. Anyone who sees a street that needs retreatment can report it by calling 311.

WATCH: John Del Giorno reports on LIRR storm-related disruptions

John Del Giorno reports from NewsCopter 7 on LIRR delays and cencellations reported in the aftermath of the nor'easter.

The remnants of the storm impacted Monday's commute for thousands of transit passengers, as LIRR service was suspended systemwide between Penn Station and Jamaica in both directions due to switch trouble.

The issue was resolved shortly after 8:30 a.m., but passengers still faced residual delays of up to 45 minutes.

"The Long Island Rail Road is planning to provide regular service during Monday's PM Peak with the exception of the Port Jefferson branch, where a train yard derailment requires a revised schedule," LIRR President Phil Eng said. "Port Jefferson branch service is expected to be fully restored for Tuesday morning's commute. Residual weather issues and an Amtrak switch failure contributed to delays and cancellations affecting early Monday travel with service resuming on or close to schedule by mid-morning. Hundreds of LIRR employees continue to work around the clock battling frigid temperatures and lingering impact from the nor'easter to ensure any issues that arise are addressed promptly."