Long Island weather: Rain, wintry mix, snow possible during evening commute

With scattered showers already falling in some spots, evening commuters heading home around 6 p.m. should be prepared for more widespread rain, which will be turning to a rain-snow mix or even just snow in some areas, said Joe Pollina, National Weather Service meteorologist based in Upton.

Central Suffolk County could be looking at a complete changeover to snow during the 6 to 9 p.m. time frame, he said, though no accumulation on Long Island is expected. The rest of the Island, including areas closest to the shores, may see all rain or a rain/snow mix, he said.

Still, commuters could pass through a possible squall line, meaning brief bursts of moderate to heavy snow, which could affect visibility, said Kevin Kacan, also a meteorologist in Upton.

“This is not a shoveling event,” he said, with precipitation expected to clear the area by midnight, though eastern Long Island could still see flurries in the early morning hours.

Along with precipitation comes a wind advisory, in effect from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 1 p.m. Wednesday, warning of strong winds — 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph — with the highest winds expected though early Wednesday, the weather service said.

That could lead to downed tree branches and limbs, isolated power outages and tricky driving for those in high-profile vehicles.