Monday's snow/rain mix harbinger of possible major storm Wednesday, forecasters say

The rain/snow mix expected for Long Island Monday could be just a harbinger for what forecasters are calling a major winter storm midweek.

The National Weather Service issued a briefing Sunday evening saying there is "increasing confidence in significant snowfall and strong winds late Wednesday into Thursday. Near blizzard conditions may occur closer to the coast late Wednesday evening into Thursday morning."

The briefing said more than a foot of snow could land on the region but that "It is still too early to know exactly where these higher amounts might occur."

The midweek system could bring gale force winds, and "minor to locally moderate coastal flooding."

Monday will see the snow/rain mix for most of the day, then a drop in temperatures so that by Monday night there will be clear skies with wind chills in the 20s.

Tuesday stays cold and dry with a high in the upper 30s. Expect another cold night with lows in the lower-20s in most areas, and as low as the midteens in the pine barrens.

Wednesday's storm is expected to last into Thursday, with dry, chilly conditions returning Thursday night.

Friday and Saturday are looking sunny with highs in the upper 30s.