Long Island Weather Forecast: The Latest Details On Tuesday's Blizzard

Temperatures hit 60 degrees on Long Island on back-to-back days last week, but Mother Nature was just teasing us. Winter, now in its final full week, plans to go out like a lion. A really big lion.

It's no longer a question of if a major snowstorm will pummel the region Tuesday. It is happening. The only question that remains is how hard we'll be hit. Snow total estimates for the island haven't changed much in the past day. A total of 12-18 inches is expected to accumulate and snowfall rates of 2-4 inches an hour are possible, the National Weather Service says.

A blizzard watch will be in effect from midnight Monday until midnight Tuesday. Wind gusts up to 50 mph, potentially up to 60 mph in eastern Suffolk, will cause blowing and drifting snow that will likely create whiteout conditions on the roadways. Power outages will also be possible.

The odds of any school on Long Island being open Tuesday are next to zero.

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A coastal flood watch will be in effect for southern Nassau County and southwestern Suffolk County from 8 a.m to noon Tuesday, and from noon to 3 pm. fro northern Nassau. High tides 2-3 feet above normal could cause widespread flooding of vulnerable shore roads and basements. Numerous road closures may be needed, the NWS says.

RELATED: Red Cross Offers Blizzard Preparation Safety Tips

If more than a foot of snow falls in Central Park Tuesday, it will be the first time that's happened in March since 1960, according to NWS records. The first day of spring is March 20.

Find the full forecast and maps showing the odds of various snowfall amounts below. You can read the latest NWS storm briefing here.

Sunday Night- Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. Northwest wind 8 to 15 mph.

Monday- Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable.

Monday Night- Snow likely, mainly after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 25. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. East wind 6 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Tuesday- Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Steady temperature around 30. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Windy, with a north wind 24 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 9 to 13 inches possible.

Tuesday Night- Snow likely before 7pm, then a chance of snow showers after 7pm. Cloudy, with a low around 19. Northwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday- A 30 percent chance of snow showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31.

Wednesday Night- Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Photo: AccuWeather