New York, NY – Long Island residents have less than 48 hours to prepare as blizzard conditions threaten to shut down travel by 7 p.m. Sunday, with snowfall rates reaching 2 inches per hour overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, Suffolk County and eastern Nassau County could see 10 to 14 inches of accumulation between Sunday evening and 10 a.m. Monday. The heaviest snow is expected from 7 p.m. Sunday through the early Monday morning commute. Northeast winds will increase to 30 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph, producing near-zero visibility and significant blowing and drifting snow.
Major corridors including Sunrise Highway, the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway may become impassable during peak snowfall. The Long Island Rail Road could face delays or suspensions, particularly on the Montauk and Ronkonkoma branches where heavier bands set up.
Along the South Shore, Sunday night’s high tide may bring moderate coastal flooding of 1 to 2 feet above ground level, especially in communities such as Long Beach, Freeport, Lindenhurst and Mastic Beach. Snow-clogged storm drains could worsen street flooding.
Residents should complete storm preparations before sunset Sunday, move vehicles from flood-prone streets, charge devices and avoid non-essential travel overnight. Additional warnings, including potential blizzard advisories, may be issued as conditions intensify.
