New London, CT – Wind gusts up to 55 mph are whipping snow across eastern Long Island and southern Connecticut this afternoon, driving visibility below a quarter mile and creating whiteout conditions ahead of the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for Southern New London County in Connecticut and for Northeast and Southeast Suffolk counties in New York. Up to 2 additional inches of snow will fall as powerful winds lift and blow snow across open roadways.
Travel is becoming extremely dangerous along Interstate 95 in New London County and along Sunrise Highway and the Long Island Expressway through Suffolk County. Blowing snow is sharply reducing visibility, especially near the coast from Stonington to Montauk, where the strongest gusts are expected. Drifting snow may block secondary roads, and slick pavement is widespread.
The combination of heavy, wind-driven snow and 55 mph gusts could snap tree limbs and down power lines, increasing the risk of scattered outages across coastal communities including New London, Groton, Riverhead and the Hamptons.
Officials urge residents to avoid travel unless it is an emergency. If you must drive, carry a winter survival kit and remain with your vehicle if stranded. Blizzard conditions are expected to ease after 6 p.m., but strong winds and hazardous roads may continue into the night.
