Significant snowfall to impact the area on Tuesday

Last minute shifts in the forecast prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning, as the biggest snow storm in over two years is set to hit the area.

The warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. later that day. Snowfall totals of 5 to 10 inches is forecasted with locally higher amounts possible. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour is forecasted to occur around 8 a.m.

The hazardous conditions are forecasted to impact the Tuesday morning commute. Snowfall amounts are dependent on how quickly the rain transitions to snow, which is forecated to occur around daybreak. Winds may gust up to 40 mph.

For southern Nassau County, a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Tuesday. Two to two and a half feet of flooding is possible in vulnerable areas near the shoreline.

“People have been accustomed to a fairly mild winter, so take all the necessary precautions," Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, said about this storm. "Stay tuned to your news. If you can work remotely, that's great. Make sure that our roads are clear for the plows as always.”

Hochul told Long Islanders to expect heavy, wet snow which will impact tomorrow's commute.

“Even though we’re coming out of a few days of record high temperatures, this storm is a stark reminder that winter is still alive and well,” Hochul said in a news release. “This storm will bring plenty of hazards with it from heavy snow piling up fast to wind, which will bring low visibility and some power outages. Please heed warnings from your local media outlets, as my team will continue to monitor the storm until it’s long gone.”

To report an electrical outage, call PSEG Long Island at (800) 490-0075.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving in winter weather include:

• Do not drive unless necessary
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location
• Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it’s operating