Long Island weather: Sunny and cold Wednesday, coastal storm Thursday into Friday

The National Weather Service said a coastal storm is on the way for Long Island late Thursday through Friday, bringing rain and strong winds.

"A period of easterly/southeasterly wind gusts of 30 35 mph is possible inland, with 35 45 mph gusts over coastal areas and the waters late Thursday and early Friday," the weather service said in its Tuesday night advisory.

"Minor coastal flooding (isolated moderate) is possible late Thursday night through Friday across the South Shore Bays of Long Island, some locations along lower NY Harbor, the Long
Island Sound along the CT shoreline, and portions of the Forks of Long Island," the advisory said.

Long Island will likely see just rain but there is an outside chance for a rain/snow mix in some parts of western Suffolk and Nassau.

Before the storm arrives, it will be cold and sunny.

Tuesday’s expected nighttime low of 24 degrees will be one of the coldest of the next week, with a wind chill of 10 to 20.

“Gusty north winds will ensue late tonight and continue into Wednesday, strongest east of the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City." The highest gusts — up to 35 mph — could sweep across far eastern Long Island and southeast Connecticut.

“Highs Wednesday will struggle to get out of the 30s even at the coast,” the weather service said, though the sun should offset some of that brr feeling.

And Wednesday's clear skies will not linger after nightfall. Clouds move in and the storm is expected to impact the region late Thursday into Friday night.

The weekend looks mostly sunny, dry and cooler again.