Steve Merkel makes his way down a snowy Jericho Turnpike...

Steve Merkel makes his way down a snowy Jericho Turnpike on Thursday morning. (Jan. 28, 2010) Credit: Howard Schnapp

Snowflakes the size of goose down fell over Long Island Thursday morning, covering lightly trafficked areas in a blanket of white and making most road surfaces slick.

But forecasters from the National Weather Service said accumulations are expected to be minimal and said Long Island should expect rain in the afternoon - which would likely melt any snow that does accumulate.

ALERTS: School and organization closings | LIVE: Long Island traffic cams

MORE: Click here to watch News 12 forecast for today and the rest of the week

With predictions that overnight temperatures may dip from the low 30s all the way into the teens, precipitation may freeze - producing hazardous driving conditions for rush hour Friday morning.

Forecasters said we can also expect high winds Thursday, with a northwest breeze blowing at 18-23 mph - and gusts as strong as 41 mph. Those winds are expected to stay in our area on Friday, when a high temperature of 26 degrees is expected.

Temperatures could dip as low as minus 4 degrees Friday night with the wind chill figured in, forecasters warned. Saturday could bring a slight chance of snow, though the chance of precipitation is just 20 percent.

WEATHER: Click here to see the latest forecast for your neighborhood, with radar, video and the weekend outlook

PHOTOS: View classic images of snow on Long Island

PHOTOS: View snow scenes from this winter on Long Island

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

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