Freezing Temperatures Complicate Blizzard Cleanup On Long Island; 3 Shoveling-Related Deaths Reported
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Parts of Long Island were hit with more than 20 inches of snow on Saturday, and then temperatures took a dive overnight.
While Nassau County saw significant snow totals, Mother Nature really hit Suffolk hard.
"This is a massive amount of snow that fell yesterday in a short amount of time," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said Sunday.
WATCH: Suffolk County Officials Share Update On Storm Cleanup
Bellone said crews were working nonstop, but the frigid temperatures made snow removal more challenging. He warned the roads may be passible, but they are still icy and slick.
"The cleanup of this storm will not be easy because of the temperatures that we have now," he said.
He said the goal is to have things ready for the morning commute and for schools to be open Monday.
WATCH: Gov. Hochul Shares Update On Storm Cleanup With CBS2
Suffolk County Police Chief Rodney Harrison said officers responded to 144 minor crashes.
He said police also helped a 71-year-old man who collapsed while using a snow blower in West Islip and went into cardiac arrest. They were able to revive him and he was hospitalized in stable condition.
"Officers assigned to that precinct responded, gave that elderly individual CPR as well as utilized an automatic, external defibrillator and were able to regain his pulse," Harrison said.
Three shoveling-related deaths were reported on Long Island -- one in Suffolk and two in Nassau County.
Police said an elderly man fell into a swimming pool in Cutchogue and drowned. Two other men, a 53-year-old and 75-year-old, died in separate incidents in Syosset.
"Wow, that's why the ambulances were around I guess," resident David Martinson said.
Commack resident John Motta spent Sunday morning clearing his driveway.
"At first I thought it was ridiculous when they were saying that we had 20 feet, 20 inches of snow in Commack. After seeing this driveway, it's quite obvious I was wrong. If anything, it's at least 20, if not more," Motta told CBS2's Andrea Grymes.
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In Sayville, business owners helped one another Saturday along Main Street. It was part of the epicenter of the highest snow totals in the region.
"I'm applying to the Peace Corps right now, so it's in my nature to help the community, and my parents are always about helping your elders," said Alexandra Tom, of Cameron Jewelers.
LINK: See Highest Snow Totals
Sayville Pizza was the only open restaurant in town, but nearly 100% of customers wanted delivery.
"Not all heroes wear capes," one delivery person said.
LINK: Winter Storm Survival Guide
Michael Devenau had to use his Jeep to transport props and costumes for his dance academy.
"We were supposed to have a show today. We were doing Willy Wonka over at Amity Theater in Oakdale," he said. "Obviously, it has been canceled."
CBS2's Andrea Grymes and John Dias contributed to this report.
