A winter storm is expected to dump between 8 and 12 inches of snow expected for Long Island.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning that will remain in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday. Snow will change into snow and sleet after 4 p.m., and a total accumulation of 3 to 5 inches is expected.
Forecasters say the snow will become heavy at times Wednesday evening and could bring an additional 3 to 7 inches before 5 a.m.
The storm will also bring winds of 16 to 23 mph with gusts up to 34 mph to the area Wednesday night. Meteorologists say that the highest winds will be in eastern Suffolk County.
In addition to the winter storm warning a coastal flood statement has also been issued by the NWS. As a result of low pressure passing around 150 miles southeast of Montauk Point, South Shore back bays and the Long Island Sound will experience minor coastal flooding early Thursday morning.
Forecasters caution residents to use caution during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. The Long Island Rail Road advised riders to use caution when using stairs and be careful of ice on platforms.
Snow began falling heavily in the middle of the morning rush hour. Local streets quickly became snow covered, although the major roadways remained passable.
“The roads are really, really bad,” said Ed Deutsch, a school bus driver from Islip Terrace. He said a trip that ordinarily takes him 35 minutes took over an hour.
-With Associated Press