Long Island weather: Sunny, brisk Tuesday with coastal storm Wednesday 

Snowflakes, a rare sight this winter, dusted Long Island Monday but overnight winds were expected to push the system away and usher in a sunny Tuesday.

Unsettled weather returns Wednesday, however, in the form of a coastal storm, the National Weather Service said.

"A complex but quick moving low pressure system will bring an accumulating wet snowfall to the interior Wed, changing to rain Wed Eve, before ending Wed Night," the weather service said in its storm forecast Monday evening.

"Along the coast, snow will quickly change to rain, likely keeping snow accumulations minimal. Then a period of heavy rain, gusty winds, and minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is likely Wed Eve into Wed Night, before the storm departs."

Widespread minor coastal flooding is expected for "vulnerable spots" along Long Island Sound and eastern bay communities during Wednesday night's high tide. Moderate flooding was expected for Nassau's South Shore, the forecast said.

Before all this, Tuesday is predicted to bring sunny skies and highs in the low- to mid-40s Tuesday, forecasters said, with wind chills making it feel more like 20 and 30 degrees, the National Weather Service said, and a low of 29 at night.

After the storm, the sun returns Thursday, forecasters say, along with a high of 48 degrees, and more sunshine is expected Friday and on the weekend, when highs are expected to be in the mid-40s.