Early Snow Creates Power Outages in Hauppauge

Hauppauge residents hard hit by Tropical Storm Irene are holding their breaths Saturday night as a wind-swept rain and snow storm pummels the region.

The town received its first measurable snowfall of the season as rain turned to snow late Saturday night. The National Weather Service is predicting accumulations between 2 to 4 inches of snow over Saturday night before 5 a.m.

Long Island Power Authority was reporting 71 power outages in Hauppauge as of 2 a.m. Saturday near the Honey Hollow area. LIPA officials estimate power should be fully restored to Hauppauge by 6:30 a.m., according to their Outage Map.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and Wind Advisory through 6 a.m.predicting sustained winds near 35 miles per hour through the night, with gusts as strong as 65 miles per hour.

Earlier Saturday, cold rain-soaked the Hauppauge area, briefly turning to sleet in the afternoon. However, an overnight drop in temperatures could mean snow accumulations up to a few inches after midnight.

When Irene hit Long Island in late August, , some for as long as a week. Most were caused by fallen trees or branches taking out power lines.