'Take It Easy' Driving As Heavy Snow Expected Tuesday Morning On LI

HEMPSTEAD, NY — A storm is expected to intensify Monday evening and bring between 5-8 inches on Tuesday to Long Island.

Rain is likely to change to snow, heavy at times, during the overnight hours.

"It's going to have an effect on the commute," Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin told Patch.

Ultimately, accumulations will depend on how fast the rain transitions to the frozen precipitation.

The worst of the storm is forecast for the late morning as students are headed to school and people are off to work.

"Take it easy and plan to give [yourself] some extra time," Clavin said.

The snow could impact Tuesday's special election, but Clavin said, "We're treating this like every other storm."

Many polling places are in schools, locations that Clavin said the town will "primarily focus on, so we don't think [it'll] have any impact on voters getting out."

Given that the storm was initially forecasted to have only minimal impact, Clavin cautions Long Islanders to stay prepared and alert to the changing track.

The supervisor also reminds people to have shovels handy but not to exert themselves.

"This is going to be a very heavy, wet snow," Clavin said.

Additionally, wind gusts could top 40 miles per hour, causing tree branches to fall and power lines to snap.

Clavin anticipates assessing the town accompanied by his dog Brady.

"The people give me an opportunity to serve as supervisor. I take it to heart. This stuff matters to me and I want people to be safe."