Long Island Snowstorm: 'Travel is Extremely Dangerous And Should Be Avoided,' NWS Says

With several inches already on the ground across Long Island, snow is expected to fall at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour Saturday afternoon in some spots.

RELATED: Long Island Snow Totals, So Far

"Travel is extremely dangerous and should be avoided," the National Weather Service said in a special weather statement, noting that visibilities on roadways will be reduced to less than a quarter-mile.

A winter storm warning is in effect until midnight in Suffolk County, which will likely see a total 6-12 inches of snow, with the highest totals on the East End. Areas of over a foot on the South Fork are likely, the NWS said.

In Nassau, a winter storm warning is in effect until 11 p.m. A total of 6-8 inches of snow is expected in Nassau.

A winter storm warning means "significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency," the NWS says. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."

Strengthening winds in the late afternoon/evening will also cause some blowing and drifting of snow across open areas, the NWS says. This will likely keep road crews busy as road surfaces get recontaminated.

Some slightly good news: the NWS says the snow is "very powdery," which could lessen impacts and make shoveling easier.

The maps below show the most likely snowfall ranges, the storm's maximum potential snow accumulations and the odds of various amounts on different parts of the island.

Have snow photos? Send them to ryan@patch.com. Just note the location.