The forecast of impacts from a nor’easter bearing down on the region continues to be a moving target this morning.
Precipitation was wetter earlier in the day than originally expected and has already begun to change over to all rain. Precipitation will be heavy at times, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
The winter storm warning has been canceled. A winter weather advisory remains in effect for northern Nassau County and New York City.
Forecasters early this morning were still calling for snow accumulation of six to 10 inches on the East End, but that has changed as precipitation quickly became sleet and then sleet and rain. No further snow accumulation is expected today, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
“The storm is racing north-northeast faster than expected,” the National Weather Service said.
“There’s a lot of slush on the roads right now,” Southold Highway Superintendent Vincent Orlando said. Highway crews began applying sand/salt to town roads very early this morning, he said. They are now out “slushing”— pushing the slush off the roads. “It gets very heavy,” he said.
Northeast winds will blow from 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. The strongest winds are expected from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Schools, government offices and many businesses all closed today in anticipation of a significant snowfall. Suffolk County Transit bus service is canceled. All Cross Sound Ferry Services departures are canceled. The LIRR is operating on a normal weekday schedule, with delays, subject to cancellations and suspensions of service as conditions worsen. See complete list of closings, cancellations and delays.
A coastal flood warning is in effect today from 9 this morning until 4 this afternoon for areas along the bays. Tidal departures of two-and-a-half to three-and-a half feet above astronomical tides are expected.
