Long Island Weather Forecast: Winter Storm Warning Issued, Up to a Foot of Snow Possible

UPDATE: Hour-by-Hour Long Island Snowstorm Forecast, New Snowfall Total Maps

The National Weather Service has now issued a winter storm warning for Long Island as up to a foot of snow is expected to fall on Long Island Thursday. Wind gusts up to 35 mph will likely create near-blizzard conditions.

The storm, which will come after near-record warmth on Wednesday, will cause treacherous conditions on the roadways and will almost certainly lead to school closures across the island.

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The winter storm warning will be in effect from midnight to 6 p.m. Thursday. Snow will likely mix with rain early Thursday before turning to all snow as temperatures drop below freezing by daybreak. A total of 8-12 inches of accumulation is likely for much of the island. There's about a 60 percent chance of more than six inches and a 35 percent chance of more than eight inches, according to the latest NWS snowfall maps.

The heaviest snow is expected Thursday morning into the afternoon. Snowfall rates of 1-2 inches an hour are likely and more than two inches an hour is possible, the NWS says.

"A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring," the NWS says. "Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel...keep an extra flashlight...food...and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."

Read the National Weather's Service latest storm briefing here.

The full forecast:

Wednesday: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 10 to 13 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: A slight chance of rain between midnight and 2am, then rain and snow. Low around 32. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Thursday: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 7am. The snow could be heavy at times. Steady temperature around 31. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Blustery, with a northeast wind 17 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Wind chill values between 5 and 15. Blustery, with a northwest wind 18 to 25 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 28. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of light snow after 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 23.