A winter storm will likely drop 5 to 8 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow morning across the region, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast. Higher snowfall totals are expected for interior sections, the weather service said.
A winter storm watch is in effect for Long Island and New York City from late tonight through Tuesday afternoon.
Precipitation will begin as rain overnight in the local area and change over to snow early Tuesday morning. Snowfall amounts locally will depend on the timing of that transition, which is forecast to be around daybreak Tuesday. Heavy snow is possible throughout the day Tuesday, according to the forecast.
Northeast winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are possible at the height of the storm, the weather service said.
The Riverhead Police Department issued a travel and weather advisory this morning, reminding motorists who are traveling tomorrow to reduce their speed and allow extra time, especially during the morning and evening commute.
Riverhead Highway Superintendent Mike Zaleski said the snow is expected to be a wet snow, which he said should “hopefully keep the drifts down” in areas where blowing snow from open fields can cause major problems.
“Overnight, we’ll start to put down salt and sand,” Zaleski said. “And we’ll be ready to start plowing tomorrow morning.We’ll be out all day and hope to have the whole town done by tomorrow night,” he said.
“Keep off the roads tomorrow if you can,” Zaleski said. He reminded people to avoid parking vehicles in the street, because vehicles parked in the street impede plowing operations.
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