The first big winter storm of 2022 is expected to hit Long Island tonight, with up to 50 mph winds and accumulation upwards of 18-24 inches of snow on the East End. According to the National Weather Service, Nassau County will get hit with 8 to 12 inches of snow while Western and Central Suffolk County should see 12 to 18 inches. Those amounts may change as the storm approaches the area.
RELATED: Check out reader photos from the January 2022 blizzard across Long Island.
The storm will start hitting the region around 7pm on Friday night and continue into Saturday. The blizzard-like conditions will make travel nearly impossible and cause significant beach erosion. Coastal flooding will also be a concern. Gusty winds might also cause tree branches to come down.
Snowfall rates will be up to 1 inch per hour.
Residents are already starting to stock up with gas and food, causing long lines at grocery stores.
After the storm temperatures are expected to drop. Sunday will be sunny and cold with highs in the mid 20s. Winds will be out of the west at 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.