Winter Weather Advisory in Effect for Hauppauge

A winter weather advisory has been issued Wednesday for western Suffolk County, including Hauppauge, according to David Stark, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Upton.

Hauppauge is expected to see up to 10 inches of snow accumulation through Friday morning, the NWS said.

A mix of rain and snow is expected to begin Wednesday around noon; by Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 p.m., the rain/snow mixture is expected to change to all snowfall, with 2 to 4 inches expected. The snow will continue through Thursday with possibly 1 to 3 inches of snow during the day and an additional 1 to 3 inches at night.

The storm, Stark said, is expected to "linger" through Thursday; although, as temperatures rise on Thursday, the precipitation may transform back into a rain/snow mix before another wave of potential snowfall blankets the area Thursday night into Friday morning. 

Thursday night's accumulation could total another one to two inches, bringing the total snowfall to between 8 and 10 inches by Friday morning, Stark said.

But, unlike the recent blizzard, the snowfall will be gradual, over a duration of two days, and is not expected to pack a "crippling" punch.

High winds are also expected, with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour expected overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning, sparking the potential for downed trees and power outages.

The storm's snow will be wet and heavy, he said, adding to the potential for downed power lines and wind damage, especially during the overnight hours on Wednesday, when gusts will be strongest.

Residents are urged to go shopping earlier in the day on Wednesday and avoid evening travel, Stark said. "Things will go downhill with regard to snowfall after dark. Travel will become treacherous tonight," he said.

A slower early morning commute Thursday should be expected, Stark said; he urged drivers to navigate slowly and allow for extra stopping distance. 

But, because accumulation is expected over a period of days, Stark said crews are expected to be able to clear roads through Friday.

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