Updated blizzard warning for Long Island: 15-20″ of snow, gusts up to 60 mph expected

Updated – 7:49 a.m.: A blizzard warning is in effect for Long Island and the New York City metro area from 1 p.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday, with heavy snow and damaging winds expected to make travel dangerous, according to the National Weather Service in Upton.

The weather service updated the earlier blizzard warning, increasing expected snowfall totals and wind speeds, and pushing back the start time of the warning. Total snow accumulations are now forecast to be between 15 and 20 inches and wind gusts as high as 60 mph — up to 65 mph on the East End, the weather service said in the updated warning. Visibilities may drop below a quarter-mile in falling and blowing snow, with whiteout conditions possible.

The warning includes northwest Suffolk, northeast Suffolk, southwest Suffolk and southeast Suffolk, as well as Nassau and Queens. Portions of southern Connecticut and Westchester are also included.

“Travel will be treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” the National Weather Service said, noting that the strongest winds and worst blizzard conditions are expected Sunday night into Monday. Snow is expected to move in during the morning and afternoon Sunday.

The weather service warned that strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs may bring down power lines and cause sporadic power outages. Hazardous conditions could affect both the Monday morning and evening commutes.

The National Weather Service said travel should be restricted to emergencies only. Anyone who must travel should carry a winter survival kit and, if stranded, stay with the vehicle. Drivers are urged to check New York state and local Department of Transportation road condition updates before heading out.

Coastal flood warning now in effect

A coastal flood warning is in effect for northeast and southeast Suffolk County, for widespread moderate coastal flooding anticipated Sunday night through Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Upton.

The weather service said 1.5 to 2.5 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in vulnerable low-lying areas near the waterfront and shoreline.

The weather service said ice cover in bays and harbors could worsen flooding and cause damage to northeast- to east-facing shoreline structures.

Along Gardiners Bay — particularly near Orient Point — breaking surf of 5 to 10 feet could cause beach flooding and dune erosion around the time of high tide, the weather service said. That could also increase the risk of splashover flooding on shoreline roads and properties behind protective dunes, structures and seawalls. Minor damage to shoreline structures is possible.

The National Weather Service said the forecast water levels will depend heavily on the timing of a wind shift from east-northeast to north gales relative to the time of high tide, and the forecast will be refined over the next 24 hours.

The coastal flood watch is in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m Monday.