Power Outages Plague Smithtown and Surrounding Communities, LIRR Service Suspended

Approximately 1,070 Long Island Power Authority customers throughout Smithtown, Nesconset, St. James and Head of the Harbor are experiencing outages, and the Long Island Railroad  announced that it has suspended service in both directions due to the blizzard, according to the LIPA and MTA websites.

According to the LIPA website, there are 12,021 customers affected by outages throughout Long Island. In Suffolk County, 9,439 customers are reported affected.

LIPA Director of Communications Mark Gross said there is no time frame for the outages to be repaired. Gross said customers experiencing outages can call 1-800-490-0075 to receive power restoration updates.

"Keep in mind that the hazardous road conditions and powerful winds may delay our crews who are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service," Gross said in an e-mail Sunday night.

Just after 11 p.m., the MTA announced that service is suspended in both directions and will use equipment trains to clear the tracks throughout the night. The trains will operate on a holiday schedule Monday.

The National Weather Service for Long Island issued a blizzard warning that will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Monday.

The warning stated that travel conditions are expected to be "extremely dangerous" due to snow accumulations and strong winds, which could impair visibility while driving.

"Right now the roads are pretty slippery, I wouldn't suggest you go out unless it's an emergency," said an unnamed police officer from the Suffolk County Police Department Fourth Precinct.

Additional information provided by Christine Sampson and Lon Cohen.