After a long, cold, white winter Long Islanders were facing the prospect of yet another 5-9 inches of snow to start the first week of March, but as the National Weather Service downgraded its Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Weather Advisory earlier today those totals fell as well to just 3-6 inches.

As the storm’s path continues to stay farther south than originally anticipated, the NWS has again tempered expectations and is now predicting a total of only 2-4 inches to fall, with a possibility of slightly higher totals on the South Shore than in the north.

A mix of sleet and snow is possible before 7-8 PM tonight, turning to snow later tonight and continuing to fall through the morning. Precipitation will likely end before 10 AM, and the Winter Weather Advisory will stay in effect though 12 PM. Temperatures will still drop to about 20° tonight, and will only warm to about 25° tomorrow; winds will blow between 10 and 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

The dwindling snow totals are a welcome sign to residents sick of having to dig out on a regular basis throughout this season, but will not necessarily make the morning commute any easier. Though shoveling should prove easier than it would have with 8 inches of snow on the ground, roads will still be slick and icy in the morning. Drivers should expect traffic to move slowly during their morning commute and proceed with caution.

Make sure to check our School Closings page for delays and closing as schools react to the latest snowstorm.

For the most up to date forecasts visit the LongIsland.com Weather Center.

To find out what to expect on your morning commute, head to the Long Island Traffic Map and Long Island Rail Road page.

[Source: National Weather Service]
Image via National Weather Service