As a powerful nor'easter is forecast to hit on Long Island on Wednesday, Town of Smithtown officials are accepting outside help to fill holes in town fleets to be well prepared.
Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said he was reassured via an email from Highway Superintendent Glenn Jorgensen the town is prepared for the incoming storm to blanket Long Island in 6 to 8 inches of snow from Wednesday night into Thursday.
"He is prepared and ready to meet the storm head on," Vecchio said.
The supervisor he's informed the town's trucks have been checked over, salt spreaders are loaded and ready to hit the roads.
Jorgensen could not be reached directly Wednesday afternoon for his preparations for the impending nor'easter, how many snowplows or crews are on standby for the storm.
Vecchio said New York State Department of Transportation has offered the town some snow removal equipment in ahead of the storm. The town requested eight spreader trucks, a few 6-wheel and 10-wheeler trucks, and an additional payloader in case of heavy snow.
"Whether or not we get what we request will depend on the state," the supervisor said.
Payloaders and heavy equipment were vital to town's cleanup after the Feb. 8 blizzard, where the overwhelming snowfall could not be easily pushed by standard snowplows.
Vecchio said the town do its best to post regular updates on the storm and snow removal on the town's website.
Residents are asked to park their cars off roadways where possible. Those who need help or assistance during the storm should call 631-360-7553 or emailpublicsafety@tosgov.com.
