Highest Snow Totals Since 2022 Expected As Powerful Winter Storm Readies To Sock Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY — Winter snow totals increased Friday as a powerful winter storm readied to sock Long Island.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm.

According to James Tomasini, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Upton, a winter storm warning is in effect through 1 p.m. Saturday for all of Long Island, with 8 to 10 inches of snow expected.

Most of that accumulations is expected on the front end of the storm, falling around midnight Friday, with light snow lingering through Saturday morning, he said.

Snow is expected to stop by about 10 a.m. Saturday morning with dry conditions then expected across the entire area, Tomasini said.

Travel could be very difficult; the hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute, the NWS said.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Check local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions," the NWS said.

Hochul said the snow totals are the highest forecast since 2022, with peak snowfall rates of 2 or more inches per hour and up to a foot of snow possible.

"The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution throughout the duration of this storm. Please continue to monitor your local forecast, avoid unnecessary travel and if you must travel, take all necessary precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination," Hochul said.

Strong winds also are anticipated with gusts of 25 to 35 mph possible and localized gusts possibly reaching 50 mph, Hochul said. The high wind combined with snow, which could be wet and heavy at times, could create the potential for power outages.

Hochul offered winter driving safety tips:

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be traveling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
• Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it's operating.