Long Island snowstorm latest: Up to 14 inches, 'near whiteout conditions' possible this weekend
In its Friday morning briefing, the National Weather Service was calling for 8 to 14 inches of snow for Long Island, but indicated there was still much uncertainty around the forecast for the region due to the potential for sleet mixing with the snow, which could lower accumulations. Credit: National Weather Service
Weather models continue to predict an expansive snowstorm hitting Long Island early Sunday followed by a mix of sleet through the evening, with forecasters predicting between 8 and 14 inches of snow.
The National Weather Service said in an update early Friday that the mix of sleet near the coast slightly lowered the expected snowfall from the up to 15 inches that forecasters were predicting Thursday.
Long Islanders should still prepare for a significant winter storm that will potentially bring “disruption to transportation and daily life” and “near whiteout conditions,” the update said.
A cold weather advisory starting Friday at 10 p.m. remains in effect through Saturday at 10 a.m. as temperatures plummet to the single digits Friday night due to high wind chills.
A cold weather advisory will be in effect Friday night through Saturday morning as temperatures plummet to the single digits due to high wind chills. Credit: The National Weather Service
Saturday is set to be the coldest day of the weekend, with wind chill values of minus 5. The cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia if bare skin is exposed for long periods, the advisory warned.
The service also said a winter storm watch remains in effect from 3 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday.
Friday’s update predicts snow to fall at 2 inches per hour Sunday morning into early evening.
Snow should begin around sunrise Sunday and will be heaviest late morning into early evening.
The heavy snowfall should come before the light snow and sleet Sunday night into Monday.
The service encouraged people to delay travel from Sunday to Monday. If driving is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution, pack a winter storm kit and make sure your car is winterized, according to the advisory.
While the storm is two days out, the service said that compared to the rest of the tristate area, Long Island remains under the most inherent uncertainty in its models due to the timing and intensity of low pressure.
Forecast details will be refined and confirmed over the next 48 hours and Long Islanders should continue to monitor the National Weather Service for updates.
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