Long Island Blizzard Watch Upgraded to Blizzard Warning

The National Weather Service reports that a nor’easter is set to impact Long Island with snow and wind starting late Friday night and continuing into Sunday morning. A blizzard watch has been issued, effective 4 a.m. Saturday through noon Sunday.

Heavy snow with strong—and potentially damaging—winds are forecast, with blowing and drifting snow reducing visibility on the road Saturday afternoon and evening. The weather service warns that travel will be extremely dangerous, with whiteout conditions. Secondary and tertiary roads may become impassable and winds may knock down tree limbs and power lines.

Snow accumulations are expected to be between 7 and 12 inches on average for Long Island, though a couple inches less out of the East End. Winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts of to 50 miles per hour, are expected. Temperatures should be between the upper 20s and low 30s.

There may be minor to moderate coastal flooding Saturday morning, with moderate flooding becoming more widespread in the evening.