Blizzard Knocks Out Power, Suspends Train Service

As the blizzard continued to pummel Malverne, West Hempstead and the rest of Long Island Sunday night, the heavy snowfall resulted in residents losing power and train service.

The Long Island Power Authority reported several outages throughout the area. As of 11:30p.m., 330 Malvernites and 37 West Hempstead homes had lost power. LIPA is currently assessing the condition of these outages.

The company stated on its Web site that "LIPA has brought in additional crews to assist with restoration efforts, however, the storm is creating hazardous driving and working conditions that may delay our crews who are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service."

It also warned residents that "if you encounter any downed wire, you should assume it is a live electric wire and report it immediately to LIPA at 1-800-490-0075."

About an hour earlier, the Metropolitan Transit Authority announced that it had suspended passenger service on the Long Island Rail Road systemwide in both directions due to the blizzard. According to the MTA Web site, "the LIRR will continue throughout the night to operate equipment trains to clear snow from the tracks."

They plan to have the tracks clear to run a holiday schedule on Monday.