Long Island Snow Estimates Rising; Thundersnow Possible

The National Weather Service has increased its snow total projections for Long Island Wednesday.

"Travel conditions this afternoon into evening for the warning areas will be very difficult to nearly impossible because of the high snowfall rates and low visibilities," the National Weather Service says.

A winter storm warning, in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday, has been expanded across the island with the exception of the Twin Forks. Here are latest snow total estimates:

• Northern Nassau– 8-12 inches
• Southern Nassau– 6-10 inches
• Western Suffolk– 5-10 inches
• North Fork– 3-7 inches
• South Fork– 2-4 inches

"During the time of the heaviest snowfall this afternoon, thundersnow is a possibility," the NWS says.

A wind advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. for South Fork where winds could gust up to 55 mph. Gusts of 30-45 mph are possible this afternoon/evening. These strong winds, combined with the heavy wet snow will bring down large tree limbs and power lines, causing power outages. RELATED: Long Island Power Outage Map

A coastal flood warning is in effect for southern Nassau and southwestern Suffolk until 4 p.m.

There's also a chance of some thundersnow

• Send your snow photos to ryan@patch.com. Just note the location.

The full forecast:

Wednesday Afternoon- Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 4pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. High near 36. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Breezy, with a northeast wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Wednesday Night- Rain and snow before 2am, then a slight chance of snow between 2am and 4am. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 32. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday- Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. West wind around 15 mph.

Thursday Night- A slight chance of rain before midnight, then a slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. West wind 11 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday- A slight chance of snow before noon, then a slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night- Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Saturday- Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Saturday Night- Mostly clear, with a low around 31.

Sunday- Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

NYDOT traffic camera photo