BLIZZARD WARNING: Crippling, Potentially Historic Storm Set to Strike Long Island

By Ryan Bonner

Long Island is in the crosshairs of a major winter storm that could drop up to 3 feet of snow on the region Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS has now issued a blizzard warning–in effect from 1 p.m. Monday until midnight Wednesday–for the entire island.

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The weather service’s Upton office says the ingredients are continuing to come together for a “dangerous, historic blizzard.”

Snow accumulations of 24-36 inches are currently expected across Long Island by the end of Tuesday night.

Heavy snow will be accompanied by winds of 30-40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, leading to ”extremely dangerous travel” with whiteout conditions likely, the blizzard warning says. Visibility on the roadways will be a quarter mile or less throughout the storm.

Secondary and tertiary roads may become impassable due to the snow and strong winds may down power lines and tree limbs.

“All unnecessary travel is discouraged beginning Monday afternoon to allow people already on the road to safely reach their destinations before the heavy snow begins and to allow snow removal equipment to begin to clear roads,” the blizzard warning states.

Coastal flood watches have also been issued for Nassau and western Suffolk County.

A coastal flood watch is in effect from midnight to 5 a.m. Tuesday for the South Shore. Significant beach erosion and washovers are likely along the ocean facing barrier beaches due to 10-15 foot waves and high storm tide, the flood watch says.

On the North Shore, a coastal flood watch is in effect from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Tuesday. Waves of 2-4 feet and high storm tide will cause beach erosion along north facing shorelines open to the Long Island Sound, the NWS says.

There is potential for flooding of vulnerable shore roads and basements. A few exposed waterfront structures may be damaged. Several shore road closures may be needed, according to the flood watches.

Light snow is expected to develop Monday morning and then gradually pick up in intensity in the late afternoon. A total of 1-3 inches of snow may fall by the evening rush.

The heaviest snow and strongest winds will occur from about midnight Tuesday into Tuesday afternoon, the NWS says. Snow could fall at a clip of 2-4 inches an hour at times during that period.

Temperatures during the storm will generally be in the 20s with wind chills in the single digits to mid-teens, the NWS says.

The snow will taper off Tuesday night, with mostly sunny skies on tap Wednesday.

The Long Island Rail Road is urging commuters to “consider heading home early on Monday and staying home on Tuesday.”

“Travel will be hazardous, especially during the evening rush hour,” the MTA said on its website. “Bus, commuter-rail, and subway service could be curtailed on a route-by-route basis, depending on conditions and snow-removal operations. As a result, commuters should consider working from home if at all possible.”

SEE ALSO: Cuomo: LIRR, LIE May Shut Down Before Monday Evening Commute

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said residents should plan in advance for major travel disruptions.

“With a major winter storm approaching the state, I urge New Yorkers to take all necessary precautions and make preparations for the possibility that commutes will be disrupted on Monday and Tuesday,” Cuomo said. “I have directed all state agencies to prepare for the snow storm and have equipment and resources in areas forecasted to be hit the hardest. We will continue to monitor the storm’s path as it approaches New York, and I urge people to pay attention to changing weather advisories as they prepare for the snow.”

Photo by Anthony Quintano/Flickr/ Creative Commons: The Long Island Expressway during a blizzard in February 2013.

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