Snow-sleet mix hits LI, slows morning commute

It’s no blizzard, but a storm system moving through the area is a subtle reminder of winter’s continuing wrath on Long Island.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect Tuesday morning on Long Island as a light mix of snow and freezing rain has moved across the region, according to the National Weather Service. The snowfall is affecting the morning commute and likely will stop by mid-morning before returning later in the day.

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“It looks like we can see up to three inches in the city and Nassau County,” according to meteorologist Joe Pollina of the National Weather Service in Upton.

“Suffolk — we’re not going to see much, maybe an inch in some places — the Forks, maybe a few tenths of an inch, maybe an inch or so in the middle of the Island,” he said.

The northern portions of the Island are expected to see the most accumulation, according to the National Weather Service, and may see up to 4 inches by the end of the evening. Drivers are urged to use caution when returning to work after the long weekend, as slippery roads and limited visibilities may make for a slow, slippery commute.

The LIRR also issued a winter storm service advisory for commuters Tuesday morning. Normal rush hour service will be provided, but riders are advised to allow extra travel time to the station and be wary of slippery platforms and staircases.

Although this snowfall is not expected to be substantial on Long Island, it will add to an already significant 2009-2010 seasonal snowfall count that is already more than 53 inches, Pollina said. The average snowfall for Long Island is just a little more than 30 inches.