Winter Storm Watch – Essential Tips for Staying Safe and Warm

As we have all heard by now, a significant winter storm is forecast to impact Long Island this weekend, January 24–25, 2026. Snow is expected to develop after midnight Saturday. Initial accumulations are predicted to be light, likely less than one inch by morning. Heavy snow is expected to overspread the region starting Sunday morning and continuing through the night. Snow will be moderate to heavy during the afternoon, with a potential wintry mix (sleet or freezing rain) possible toward sunset on the East End.

Before the Storm

Even if you’re no stranger to cold weather, it’s always smart to take a few precautionary steps to make sure your family stays safe, warm, and comfortable no matter what the storm throws at you.

Stay in contact with us
Downed power lines are a real threat in winter storms. Make sure your home is ready with flashlights, batteries, and a fully charged backup power supply.

Download the PSEG Long Island mobile app – Available for iOS and Android, the app keeps you updated on outages, restoration times, and more.
Familiarize yourself with our website – Visit PSEGLINY.com for storm preparation and safety tips. Explore the MyPower map for storm info, crew locations and outage info.
Follow us on social – Like and follow @PSEGLI on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates, tips, and information before, during, and after the storm.

Prep your home and your loved ones

Charge Up – Make sure your phone is fully charged and have a portable charger ready in case of power outages
Be Snow-Ready – Make sure you have a snow shovel or blower, along with rock salt or sand to improve traction and melt ice.
Backup Heating Plan – Power outages are common during winter storms, so make sure you’ve got an alternative heating source. Stock up on dry, seasoned firewood for your fireplace or wood stove.
Fire Safety First – If you’re using alternative heat sources, keep fire extinguishers and fire blankets handy, and ensure everyone knows how to use them.
Locate Your Water Shut-off – Know where your main water valve is, and learn how to turn it off if a pipe bursts from the cold.
Winterize Your Home – Caulk gaps around doors and windows, seal up the attic, and install storm windows to keep the cold out and warmth in.

During the Storm

Stay Informed – Tune into weather reports and emergency alerts via your TV, radio, or NOAA Weather Radio to stay on top of changing conditions.
Conserve Heat – Lower your thermostat and close off rooms you’re not using. Concentrate the heat where you need it most.
Drive Only If Necessary – If you have to drive, stick to main roads during daylight, and always let someone know where you’re going.

After the Storm

Shovel with Care – Don’t overdo it while shoveling snow. Stretch beforehand and take breaks to avoid overexertion, which can lead to heart problems.
Check on Neighbors – Help elderly or disabled neighbors, or families with young children. They might need extra assistance after the storm.
Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely – If your pipes freeze, carefully thaw them by pouring hot water over the exposed sections. Never use open flames, like a blowtorch.
Stay Alert for Downed Power Lines – Be on the lookout for downed power lines. Never approach them—stay at least 30 feet away and report them to authorities immediately. Report an outage here
Visit the Outage Map – If there are outages, visit the MyPower map to track crew locations, restoration times, and more.
Prepare for the Cold – Even after the storm clears, temperatures may drop even lower. Keep monitoring weather updates and be ready for more extreme conditions.

Taking a few steps now to get your home and family ready can make all the difference when winter’s worst arrives. With a little planning, you’ll stay warm, dry, and safe throughout the storm season, no matter what the weather brings!