The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for the northern and western parts of Long Island, and a Winter Storm Watch for the southern and eastern portions. This is an upgrade for western Long Island, which was originally under a Winter Storm Watch.
The Winter Storm Warning for Northern Nassau and Northwest Suffolk Counties will go into effect at 7 PM Sunday evening and stay in effect until 6 PM Monday night. Yesterday's Winter Storm Watch was upgraded for the area due to the severity of the snow, sleet, and ice that is expected. New accumulation of 4-8 inches of snow is expected, along with about a quarter of an inch of ice.
The rest of Long Island still has a Winter Storm Watch in effect from 7 PM tonight until Monday afternoon. Southern Nassau, Southwestern Suffolk, and all of Eastern Suffolk are predicted to get 3-5 inches of snow along with sleet and freezing rain that may result in a tenth of an inch of ice.
In addition to the threats of snow, sleet, and ice, the NWS has warned that there may be extended periods of freezing rain, which can potentially cause minor flooding in areas with poor drainage, which can also lead to localized flash flooding.
In a statement released today, Governor Andrew Cuomo urged caution to those traveling on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. Said Cuomo, "I am urging all New Yorkers to exercise caution when traveling. State agencies are ready and prepared to respond to worsening weather conditions, but I encourage all New Yorkers to plan ahead for delays and remain safe throughout the storm.”
According to Governor Cuomo, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has a total of 1,444 plows and 3,629 operators and supervisors available for Winter Storm Linus. They have also sent down 40 plows and 91 operators and supervisors from other areas of the state to the Hudson Valley and Long Island to assist with snow removal.
Numerous School Districts in both Nassau & Suffolk Counties have announced morning delays and class cancellations for Monday, and it is likely that additional districts will announce delays and closures tonight and tomorrow morning. Be sure to check our Long Island School Closures Page for the latest updates on your local district closings.
For the most up to date weather information, head over to the LongIsland.com Weather Center, where you can find the latest weather forecasts, advisories and more.
To get the latest traffic & road conditions before traveling, visit the LongIsland.com Traffic Center, and be sure to check out the live traffic feeds on our Traffic Cams Page.
[Sources: National Weather Service, Governor Cuomo.]
