Winter Storm Watch Issued For Long Island; Snow Estimates Rise

LONG ISLAND, NY — A winter storm watch has been issued for Long Island. At least a half a foot of snow is expected to fall on most parts of the island Thursday.

The storm watch will be in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday. Almost all of the accumulating snow, with 4-8 inches expected, will fall on Thursday, the National Weather Service says.

The snow will likely mix with sleet Thursday night and then rain as well Friday morning.

"Plan on slippery road conditions," the storm watch says. "The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute."

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The full forecast:

Tuesday Night- Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northwest wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Wednesday- Sunny, with a high near 32. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Northwest wind 8 to 14 mph.

Wednesday Night- A 20 percent chance of snow after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 20. North wind 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday- Snow, mainly after 11am. High near 30. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. Northeast wind 7 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Thursday Night- Snow before 9pm, then snow and sleet. Low around 30. Northeast wind 15 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday- Rain, snow, and sleet, mainly before 5pm. High near 34. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday Night- A 30 percent chance of snow before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Saturday-Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Breezy.

Saturday Night-Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Blustery.

Sunday- Sunny, with a high near 33.