Long Island Weather Update: Expected Snow Totals Double To 12 Inches Or More

LONG ISLAND, NY — The amount of snow Long Islanders could see Sunday has more than doubled according to the National Weather Services.

This morning, the probability for a warning level snowfall of 6 inches or more increased to greater than 85 percent, based on the latest NWS National Blend of Models.

And by Thursday afternoon, the NWS said 6 to 12 inches was expected, with localized accumulation of more than 12 inches possible.

Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below one quarter mile in heavy snow, the NWS said.

People should consider delaying all travel from Sunday into Monday, the NWS said. "If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded."

"Snow may begin as early as late Saturday night and may last into Monday afternoon," the NWS said. "The heaviest snow likely falls Sunday into a portion of Sunday night."

According to David Wally, meteorologist with the NWS office in Upton, there is "pretty high certainty" that Long Islanders will see significant accumulations

Some uncertainty still exists, he said: If the storm tracks a bit farther to the north, there is some chance the snow will mix with sleet or rain Sunday night, especially near the coast.

"Regardless, there's high confidence that we're going to see some heavy snow during the day Sunday," he said.