Long Island weather: Coastal storm Thursday could bring snow turning to rain

Long Island could see its first "accumulating snow" when a coastal storm rolls in mid-day Thursday, although whatever is on the ground should turn to rain later in the day, forecasters said.

in a briefing Tuesday evening, the National Weather Service said the best potential for accumulating snow would be across New York City, and areas northwest. However, forecasters are hedging their bets on how Long Island could be affected and the latest maps show most places on the island getting only about an inch.

"Uncertainty remains in the timing of the transition from snow to rain Thursday evening into Thursday night, as well as how quickly warm air will be able to move into the area along the coast. This will impact the amount of snow that is able to accumulate, especially from NYC east," the service said.

"A low track closer to the coast will mean snow will occur further inland, decreasing the amount of snow across Long Island and southeast Connecticut. A low track farther from the coast will mean snow will occur closer to the coast, increasing the amount of snow possible across Long Island and southeast Connecticut.

Localized minor coastal flooding is also expected for Long Island, depending on the strength of easterly winds, the service said.

Before the storm, dry but unseasonably cold weather is expected Wednesday.