Blizzard of 2026: Schools call for another snow day as nor’easter dumps nearly two feet of snow on North Fork
Updated snowfall totals, highest wind gusts in the area
People are continuing to shovel themselves out of the historic snowfall from the Blizzard of 2026. Streets are mostly cleared, but mounds remain. The National Weather Service released updated snowfall totals for North Fork and Riverhead communities, and they are nothing to sneeze at.
Orient saw 26.5 inches of snowfall, while Mattituck saw 23.3 and Shelter Island saw 21.1. Greenport, Southold and Cutchogue were not reported. Riverhead also saw 22.5 and Jamesport saw 16.6.
The National Weather Service also released the highest wind speeds communities saw.
Southold had a top speed of 69 miles per hour, Mattituck had 44 and Orient had 41. Other North Fork communities were not reported.
Baiting Hollow saw a top speed of 68 miles per hour and Shoreham saw 55. Riverhead was not reported.
Tips to stay safe during snow cleanup
Shoveling away all the snow from the Blizzard of 2026 can bring more than some minor aches and pains. But don’t fret, there are some tips and tricks people can take to stay safe out there.
Dr. Lawrence Schiff, chief of the emergency department at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, said, first and foremost, preparation is key. Warming up, wearing proper clothing and drinking water before heading outside can help minimize the chance of frostbite, dehydration, or cardiac issues.
Once outside in the elements, shovelers should make sure to lift with their legs to prevent straining back muscles.
“Back pain is definitely the big thing, because people are deconditioned for the most part,” said Dr. Schiff. “And now, especially on a day like today when there is a lot of snow, you may overdo it when you’re not ready for it.”
Shoulder, arm and wrist injuries can also occur from lifting too much. Dr. Schiff also said to be conscious of ice, to prevent slipping and potential lower-body or head injuries from hitting the ground.
Most dangerous of all, intense shoveling can cause cardiac issues. Dr. Schiff said that warm-up stretches and proper hydration can help mitigate problems, but people can develop chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, numbness in their face, arms, jaw and hands if they aren’t careful.
He said that, even if someone doesn’t have a pre-existing condition or doesn’t suspect any issues, warming up and stretching can help get the body ready for the lifting and the weight of the extra clothing.
“It’s just a lot for your heart to take in a short span of time,” he said. “If you’re out there for too long, you definitely will put an increased risk to your heart.
2:30 p.m. update: School districts announce another day of closures, Southold Town has cancellations
North Fork school districts and will be closed again on Tuesday, following historic levels of snowfall across Long Island.
Greenport, Mattituck-Cutchogue and Southold schools announced on Monday that they would all have another snow day.
The Town of Southold also announced that all non-essential offices will be closed on Tuesday. Emergency services will continue to operate as normal. Residents are encouraged to remain off roadways. For the latest information on Town closings and changes, visit southoldtownny.gov or check out the Town’s Facebook page.
For any emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergencies, call the Southold Town Police Department at (631) 765-2600.
More than 100 households were without power Monday as the historic Blizzard of 2026 dumped nearly two feet of snow on the North Fork and battered the region with winds gusting up to 60 mph.
Orient has seen the most snow on the North Fork so far, with 22 inches of accumulation, according to the National Weather Service. Snowfall totals have not yet been confirmed in other communities.
PSEG Long Island said the storm has downed trees, branches and wires, and is currently affecting 15,118 of 1.2 million customers across Long Island and the Rockaways. Over 5,000 customers have had power restored so far.
There are currently two reported outages in Greenport affecting 55 customers. There are three reported outages in Southold affecting 25 customers, and three outages in Mattituck, affecting 41.
Greenport School District announced that it would be clsoed Tuesday due to the storm as well.
Highway crews have been working nonstop through the storm to make some headway on clearing the roads. Suffolk County issued a travel ban effective until 3:30 p.m. on Monday.
“The conditions are horrible,” said Highway Superintendent Dan Goodwin. “This was a very strong storm, and we have been at it nonstop, but it looks like we never did a thing.”
Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski declared a State of Emergency until 6 p.m. Monday. Greenport issued a blizzard warning, calling for the removal of all vehicles on the street until 6 p.m. Monday.
The Cross Sound Ferry canceled all departures on Monday due to the storm. The Long Island Railroad suspended all service as of 1 a.m. Monday.
“I just urge everyone to stay home; this is not a matter of inconvenience,” said Mr. Goodwin. “We have equipment stuck trying to clear the roads. If they aren’t passable for us, they certainly are not clear for anyone else.”
Southold, Greenport, Mattituck-Cutchogue and Oysterponds schools are closed due to the weather.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
