Brookhaven Supervisor Urges Patience for 'Nemo-Like' Snow Cleanup

Roads adjacent to open spaces are the 'absolute worst' areas, official says.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:12pm

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Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico is asking residents to be patient as snow crews continue to clear roads that have been hit hard by a major winter storm, describing the situation as a repeat of the 2013 'Nemo' blizzard. Panico said the worst-affected areas are roads next to farm fields and open spaces, with drifts reaching up to 5 feet in some places. He urged residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary and for those shoveling to take breaks.

Why it matters

The heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions are disrupting daily life and creating challenges for snow removal crews in the Brookhaven area. Panico's pleas for patience and caution highlight the severity of the storm and the need for residents to cooperate with cleanup efforts.

The details

Panico said plows from all levels of government have been working through the night and will continue for days, but the roads are 'extremely easy to get stuck on, even with four-wheel drive.' Suffolk County has already been rescuing some essential workers who got stuck in vehicles. Garbage collection has been canceled for Tuesday as a result of the storm.

  • The heavy snow did not occur during the evening rush hour commute, unlike the 2013 'Nemo' blizzard.
  • Crews have been working through the night and will continue for days to clear the roads.

The players

Dan Panico

The Brookhaven Town Supervisor who is urging residents to be patient as snow cleanup efforts continue.

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What they’re saying

“This is Nemo all over again, but thankfully this time the heavy snow didn't occur during the evening rush hour commute.”

— Dan Panico, Brookhaven Town Supervisor

“We just had to send a payloader to areas in Yaphank where the drifts were close to five feet.”

— Dan Panico, Brookhaven Town Supervisor

“Plows from every level of government have been working through the night and will continue for days.”

— Dan Panico, Brookhaven Town Supervisor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.