Winter Storm Watch Issued For Long Island

UPDATE: Winter Storm Warnings Issued As Snow Totals Estimates Rise Again

The National Weather Service has now issued a winter storm watch for Long Island. It will be in effect from 4 a.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday.

There is the potential for a period of heavy, wet snow across the region from late Wednesday morning into Wednesday evening. A total of 4-9 inches of snow, with the highest amounts in Nassau County, is now expected to accumulate on the island.

A combination of the snow and wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph could bring down tree limbs and power lines, causing power outages, the winter storm watch says.

Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the evening commute on Wednesday.

The full forecast:

Tuesday- Increasing clouds, with a high near 36. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. East wind 6 to 14 mph.

Tuesday Night- A chance of rain, snow, and sleet before 9pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 9pm and 4am, then rain and sleet likely after 4am. Cloudy, with a steady temperature around 34. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Breezy, with a northeast wind 16 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday- Rain and sleet before 10am, then rain, snow, and sleet between 10am and noon, then rain and snow after noon. High near 34. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Windy, with a northeast wind 25 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday Night- Snow likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 31. Windy, with a north wind 22 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Thursday- Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy.

Thursday Night- Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Friday- Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

Photo by Christine Bilbao