Long Island Faces Historic Blizzard Aftermath

Long Island experienced a historic blizzard on February 20, 2026, with Central Islip recording a staggering 31 inches of snow, surpassing the previous record of 27 inches set in 2013. Local contractor Gershon Benegas, who has over a decade of experience in snow removal, reported spending more than 50 hours clearing the parking lot of a Target store, a task that typically takes around 25 hours after a major storm. The unprecedented snowfall has transformed the suburban landscape into what resembles a winter wonderland, with residents like Catalina Rojo noting that the snow towers over her dog.

New York PostABC7 New York

In response to the blizzard, local officials and crews have been working tirelessly to clear roads and public spaces. Islip Deputy Supervisor Thomas Owens emphasized the enormity of the cleanup effort, stating, "We're actually still fighting this storm. We're not done." More than 300 pieces of equipment have been deployed across approximately 1,200 miles of area roads. The cleanup is complicated by the fluctuating weather conditions typical of Long Island, where snow can quickly turn to rain and back again.

ABC7 New YorkNew York Post

The blizzard has significantly disrupted daily life for residents. Many families are feeling the strain of extended snow days, with parents eager to return their children to school. Kyle Ehlich, a school custodian, was seen preparing the Ruth C. Kinney School for students after two consecutive snow days. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) announced that regular service would resume at midnight following the storm, aiming to restore some normalcy to commuters.

ABC7 New York

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine acknowledged the challenges posed by the storm, thanking residents for their patience as cleanup efforts continue. He noted, "We have faced a historic snowfall and came together to confront this massive storm." Local residents have expressed mixed feelings; while some are overwhelmed by the snow, others, like Mario Blanco, remain unfazed, referring to it as "old-school snow."

New York Post

Despite the ongoing efforts, some residents have voiced frustration over the slow pace of cleanup. Joseph Laura, an Islip resident, highlighted the challenges posed by the sheer volume of snow, indicating that the hardest part of the storm was not the shoveling but the aftermath. As the snow begins to melt, officials warn that the cleanup will take time, and residents are urged to remain patient as crews continue their work.

ABC7 New York

While the snowfall totals have been consistently reported, there are discrepancies regarding the exact impact on transportation services and the timeline for full recovery. Some residents have reported delays in snow removal in certain neighborhoods, while officials maintain that efforts are ongoing.

New York Post

• “I’ve never seen it this bad before,” — Gershon Benegas, Local Contractor

New York Post

• “In my 27 years of life, this is by far the most snow I’ve ever seen,” — Catalina Rojo, Islip Resident

New York Post

• “We're actually still fighting this storm. We're not done. We're still continuing to do stuff because of the enormity of the height of the storm and the weight of the storm, especially now that it tries to melt,” — Thomas Owens, Islip Deputy Supervisor

ABC7 New York

• “We have faced a historic snowfall and came together to confront this massive storm,” — Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Executive

New York Post