Blizzard Warning Issued for Nassau and Suffolk Counties Through Monday Evening

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Nassau and Suffolk counties, with forecasters predicting up to 18 inches of snow and dangerous wind gusts through Monday evening.

The warning takes effect at 6 a.m. Sunday morning and continues through 6 p.m. Monday, according to the weather service. Snow accumulations of 13 to 18 inches are expected across the region, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph that will reduce visibility to a quarter mile.

“Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” Upton-based NWS meteorologists said in the warning statement. The agency cautioned that strong winds and heavy snow on tree limbs may bring down power lines and cause sporadic power outages.

The storm threatens to disrupt both Monday morning and evening commutes, with forecasters warning that strong winds could cause additional tree damage throughout the region.

Much of the tristate area faces the same blizzard warning. The incoming storm arrives as snow and ice from the previous major snowstorm on January 25 has yet to fully melt due to persistent freezing temperatures. That earlier storm dumped over a foot of snow on the area before a deep freeze prevented normal melting, according to weather reports.

AccuWeather reported that snow accumulations will likely be highest on the East End, with the possibility of up to 18 inches in those areas.

Beyond the snow threat, the National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood watch for waterfront areas. Low-lying shoreline areas could see water levels rise up to 2½ feet above ground level Sunday evening through late Sunday night, according to forecasters.

“This would result in numerous road closures and cause widespread flooding of low-lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront,” the weather service stated. Vehicles parked in vulnerable waterfront areas will likely become flooded, and flooding will extend inland along tidal rivers and bays.

Ice cover in bays and harbors could worsen flooding conditions and damage structures facing northeast to east, according to the agency. Beach and dune erosion appears likely, especially during high tide periods, with possible wash overs in areas where dunes have been compromised.

The weather service noted that water level forecasts depend heavily on when winds shift from east-northeast to northerly gales relative to high tide timing. Officials said they will refine predictions over the next 24 hours as the storm approaches.

PSEG Long Island has warned customers that wind gusts up to 55 mph on the East End could prove “strong enough to potentially topple trees, bring down branches on wires and cause outages.” The utility company said it has personnel ready to respond safely and quickly throughout the storm duration.

The blizzard warning covers the same counties that experienced significant impacts from the January 25 storm, raising concerns about compounding effects from back-to-back severe weather events. With existing snow and ice still covering much of the region, the additional accumulation and high winds present particular challenges for road crews and emergency responders.

Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare for possible evacuations, while those in inland areas should stock up on essential supplies in case power outages occur. The combination of heavy snow, high winds, and coastal flooding creates multiple hazards that officials say require serious preparation and caution.