Driving Still Dicey 2 Days After Hurricane Sandy

Although all the major roadways and most sidestreets in Malverne, West Hempstead, Lynbrook and Lakeview were open Wednesday, driving conditions were actually more dangerous as many traffic signals were still out and far more drivers decided to return to the roads.

Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook was experiencing gridlock conditions Wednesday afternoon. To prevent drivers from making risky left turns across the heavily trafficked road, the village had placed barriers along Sunrise Highway, including at the intersection of Sunrise and Peninsula Boulevard.

Traffic signals were also out on Lakeview Avenue, Peninsula Boulevard, Hempstead Avenue, Nassau Boulevard, Merrick Road, Hempstead Turnpike, Atlantic Avenue and Woodfield Road. 

Although clean-up efforts were well underway and utility trucks were spotted throughout the neighborhood, there will still dozens of downed trees and wires on many of the residential streets. 

Many businesses including gas stations along Hempstead Avenue, Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway were still closed down as they wait along with 10,000 other Long Island Power Authority customers across the four communities for power to be restored.

What made you decide to drive your car despite the risky road conditions? Tell us in the comments section.