The fourth nor’easter to hit Long Island in the month of March will usher in the official start of spring, bringing strong winds, freezing rain, sleet and heavy snow to the region beginning overnight tonight and continuing through Thursday morning.
A winter storm watch remains in effect for eastern Suffolk beginning late tonight and continuing through Thursday morning.
Western Suffolk and the rest of the NYC metro region, where over a foot of snow is expected to fall, is under a winter storm warning.
On the East End, snow accumulations will be much lower because snow is expected to mix with sleet and freezing rain tonight and tomorrow, according to the weather service. Tomorrow evening may bring heavy precipitation, but the forecast remains uncertain about the type of precipitation in the eastern region. The National Weather Service this morning is forecasting snow totals of about six inches across the North Fork.
Northeast winds tomorrow, becoming northerly tomorrow night, will range from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. A gale warning is in effect for the Long Island Sound and a storm warning has been issued for the Atlantic.
A coastal flood advisory is also in effect on the East End.
Temperatures remain about 10 degrees below normal for this time of year, the weather service said.
March has delivered a coastal storm to the region once each week so far. The three previous coastal storms this month came on March 2, March 7 and March 12. The first nor’easter was a rain event locally. The next storm began with heavy rain and then abruptly changed to heavy snow, dropping about inches in the Riverhead area. Last week’s storm left behind five to six inches here. Each storm brought strong winds and resulted in widespread power outages across Long Island, as falling limbs and trees took down power lines and utility poles.
Forecasters are keeping an eye on the potential for development of yet another coastal low that may pay a visit late Sunday night. Its track — and possible impacts — are still uncertain.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
