Weather

Strong winds to accompany another 4-8 inches of snow

It’s no bull, more snow is expected to hit the area this afternoon into tonight along with strong wind gusts. (Tim Gannon photo)

A mix of light snow and rain began falling shortly after noon Saturday, and the National Weather Service says  by the time this latest storm is done, there could be another four to eight inches on the ground.

The NWS’s winter storm warning for eastern Long Island remains in effect until 11 p.m. Saturday. The snow will be accompanied by winds of 15 to 25 mph, and wind gusts of up to 35 mph, according to NWS.

The heavier snow is expected to start later in the afternoon once the temperature dips.

“A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring,” according to the NWS. “Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency if you must travel.”

Temperatures will be in the low 30s, the NWS predicts, adding that the snow may briefly mix with rain in the afternoon.

Also expected are “hazard travel conditions due to reduced visibilities and snow covered roads, blowing and drifting of snow,” according to the NWS.

Meanwhile, PSEG Long Island says its is “monitoring the conditions and have line crews, tree trimmers, and support personnel ready to address any outages.”

The power company says that while snow alone isn’t usually an issue for utilities, the expected high winds forecast from Saturday afternoon and night does present an increased chance for downed wires.

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