Near Blizzard Conditions, Higher Totals Expected As Snow Blankets Region

Near blizzard conditions made Thursday's morning commute treacherous, with snowfall accumulations higher than expected in some areas of the region.

According to Joe Pollina, meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in Upton, the heavy band of snow expected for the early morning commute hours arrived as expected — but brought a blast of near-blizzard conditions across Long Island and New York City.

Snow accumulations are expected to reach eight to 10 inches across the entire region, with higher totals possible in some areas.

The changeover to sleet and a rain/snow mix that was forecast is still expected to happen Thursday morning across all of Long Island and parts of New York City.

When all is said and done, the East End could see four to six inches of snow on the South Fork, with six to eight inches on the North Fork, and a bit less in Montauk, Pollina said. 

The rain/snow mix is expected to turn over to all snow again Thursday night, and clear out of the area entirely by Friday morning.

Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 33 to 34 degrees in Nassau County, up to 38 degrees in Montauk, and between 34 and 38 degrees for most of Suffolk County, Pollina said. New York City is expected to reach a high of 33 degrees.

Check back to Patch for updates as snow totals begin to come in.