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Snow Spares Long Island, But Ice, Gusts Forecast

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A winter storm largely spared Long Island from forecasted snow this weekend, but strong winds, freezing temperatures, and icy roads may still be hazards, experts say.

The National Weather Service issued advisories for Nassau and Suffolk counties warning of a flash freeze and wind gusts up to 50 mph Monday. But the three to six inches of snow that was expected Saturday night on parts of LI amounted to only a half inch. Still, the accumulation and freezing temps Sunday night are likely to make for an icy Monday morning commute.

“Temperatures will plummet through tonight well below freezing,” Upton-based NWS forecasters said in a special weather statement. “As these temperatures fall, plenty of residual moisture and leftover standing water on area roads will freeze, or remain frozen. ThiS will lead to areas of black ice. Anyone out driving or walking should be prepared for slippery roads and walkways, and use etra caution.” 

In a hazardous weather outlook, NWS added that a flash freeze is possible late this afternoon into early evening.

Dangerous wind chills 10 to around 15 below zero are possible tonight into Monday morning, the outlook said.

And in a wind advisory, NWS warned that Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are on tap through Monday evening.

“Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines,” the advisory said. “Scattered power outages are expected.”