As predicted, this morning Long Island woke up to heavy, wet, snow coating the ground, and continuing to fall – and it does not look like it will be letting up anytime soon. According to the latest report from the National Weather Service, Long Island will be receiving 4 to 8 inches of snow, as well as trace amounts of ice.
This snowfall, combined with winds of 20 to 30 MPH, and gusts of up to 45 MPH, are what prompted the NWS to keep a Winter Storm Warning. Hazardous Weather Outlook, and Special Weather Statement in effect for Long Island. The warning will stay in effect until 6 AM tomorrow morning, and the Weather Statement & Outlook are in effect until further notice. Also in effect for both the North and South Shores is a Coastal Flood Statement, which will stay in effect until 5 PM this evening.
Right now, traffic is moving very slowly across Long Island due to the heavy snowfall and low visibility, with major delays in western Suffolk and Nassau County, heading into Queens. In a statement issued yesterday evening, Cuomo informed non-essential state employees that they may absent themselves from work, due to the inclement conditions. He also urged all New Yorkers to take extra caution, and stay off of the roadways unless absolutely necessary:
“As we continue to prepare for the Nor’easter that is expected to hit parts of New York State tonight and tomorrow, I urge New Yorkers in the affected regions to consider staying home.”
With the poor driving conditions and snow continuing to fall, many of the local districts have announced Two Hour Delays, and Closures . Please visit LongIsland.com’s School Closings Page for the latest updates on your local districts closings.
For the most up to date weather information, visit the LongIsland.com Weather Center, where you can find the latest weather forecasts, advisories, and more.
[Source: National Weather Service.]
Pictured: NWS/NOAA Radar Weather Update - 9 AM, February 13th, 2014. Photo via the NWS NY Official Facebook Page.
