A blizzard warning is now in effect for 4 a.m. tomorrow through noon Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Upton has issued a blizzard warning for Long Island, New York City and coastal portions of northeast New Jersey.
Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches across the region are expected, with lesser amounts on the East End, where snow may mix with sleet tomorrow afternoon, according to the weather service.
Strong north winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph will cause blowing, drifting snow an nero zero visibilities Saturday afternoon, according to the weather service.
Temperatures will top out in the upper 20s to low 30s.
A coastal flood advisory is also in effect from 5 p.m. tomorrow until 1 a.m. Sunday, with tidal departures of 2 to 3 feet above normal astronomical tides tomorrow night.
Travel will be extremely dangerous due to heavy snowfall and strong winds with whiteout conditions likely, the National Weather Service warns. Secondary and tertiary roads may become impassable. Strong winds may down power lines and tree limbs.
A Canadian high pressure system will retreat to the north, making way for a strengthening low that will make its way up the coast tomorrow. The National Weather Service forecasts the low to pass “well south and east of the 40/70 benchmark” off the southeast coast of Long Island.
“The models seem to have a better handle on the thermal profiles and the thinking now is more in the way of snow,” according to a statement by the National Weather Service.
“The only area that may see a wintry mix is the twin forks of long island, but even here it could remain all snow,” the statement said.
Snow may begin falling after midnight, will likely be blanketing the area by morning.
