Long Island Weather: 2-Day Snowstorm Ahead

LONG ISLAND, NY — A winter storm watch has been downgraded to a winter weather advisory for Long Island, but don't put those shovels away. Snow total estimates are basically unchanged from earlier forecasts and the storm is now expected to stretch well into Friday.

The winter weather advisory will be in effect from Thursday morning until 7 p.m. Friday. Snow accumulation of 3-6 inches is likely Thursday on the island with total snowfall reaching 4-9 inches by the end of Friday, the National Weather Service says. The heaviest snow should fall Thursday morning and afternoon. A light glaze of ice accumulation is also possible Thursday night.

"This will be a long duration winter weather event," the weather advisory says. "Light to moderate snowfall is likely early Thursday morning into afternoon. A light wintry mix of sleet and/or freezing rain is possible for a period Thursday evening into Thursday night, before turning back to light snow on Friday morning and ending in the afternoon or evening."

The storm could cause power outages if tree limbs break and pull down wires.

"We are performing system checks, ensuring the availability of supplies and fuel and will have additional personnel ready to respond," PSEG Long Island said.

We could see yet another snowstorm early next week. The forecast Monday into Tuesday is for rain or snow across the island. The eventual precipitation type will be dependent on the track of the storm, the weather service says.

The full forecast:

Wednesday Night- Increasing clouds, with a low around 22. North wind 3 to 7 mph.

Thursday- Snow, mainly after 11am. High near 30. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northeast wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday Night- Snow before 10pm, then snow and sleet. Low around 30. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northeast wind 14 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday- Snow and sleet likely, mainly before 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northeast wind 10 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow and sleet accumulation of around an inch possible.

Friday Night- A chance of snow and sleet before 7pm, then a chance of snow between 7pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday- Partly sunny, with a high near 34.

Saturday Night- Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Blustery.

Sunday- Sunny, with a high near 33.

Sunday Night- Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Monday- A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday Night- A chance of rain and snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday- Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.