A wintry mess will affect the Friday evening commute for many West Islip and Long Island residents.
A weak snowstorm will push across the area just to the south, leaving our area with a brand new coating of snow after the similarly weak storm on Monday evening.
The storm should start late Friday afternoon with snow showers across the area before picking up as rush hour begins. Snowfall should be light, although meteorologists say there could be heavy patches of snowfall during the storm. A heavier than expected snowfall rate caused much of the south shore to pick up a few inches on Monday.
While accumulation amounts are expected to remain relatively low – anywhere from 1 to 4 inches, generally on the lower side throughout the island – weather conditions will remain similar to the icy situation Monday's storm had. Forecast models had originally called for higher amounts, but the storm should not intensify until it is off the coast, leaving Long Island will less snow.
Melting snow hitting slightly warmed roadways will more than likely refreeze due to temperatures being below the freezing mark. The refrozen ice will cause for hazardous driving conditions across the area, including spin-outs from black ice. LIRR lines could be affected as well. Please take the commute slow and prepare for delays.
The weak storm should make its way out of the Long Island area around midnight, making way for a cold but sunny Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service has not issued any advisories or warnings associated with this passing storm.
Stay tuned to Patch as we continue to monitor the storm.
