BLIZZARD WARNING: Crippling, Potentially Historic Storm Set to Strike Brooklyn

Brooklyn is in the crosshairs of a major winter storm that could drop up to 3 feet of snow on the region Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS has now issued a blizzard warning–in effect from 1 p.m. Monday until midnight Wednesday–for the entire island.

The weather service’s Upton office says the ingredients are coming together for a “possible historic nor’easter.”

Snow accumulations of 24-36 inches are currently projected for all of New York City and Long Island.

Heavy snow will be accompanied by winds of 30-40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, leading to ”extremely dangerous travel” with whiteout conditions likely, the blizzard watch says. Visibility on the roadways will be a quarter mile or less throughout the storm.

Secondary and tertiary roads may become impassable due to the snow and strong winds may down power lines and tree limbs.

Light snow is expected to develop Monday morning and then gradually pick up in intensity in the late afternoon. The heaviest snow and strongest winds will occur overnight Monday into Tuesday, the NWS says. Snow could fall at a clip of 2-4 inches an hour at times.

Temperatures during the storm will generally be in the 20s with wind chills in the single digits to mid-teens, the NWS says.

The snow will taper off Tuesday evening, with mostly sunny skies on tap Wednesday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said residents should plan in advance for major travel disruptions.

“With a major winter storm approaching the state, I urge New Yorkers to take all necessary precautions and make preparations for the possibility that commutes will be disrupted on Monday and Tuesday,” Cuomo said. “I have directed all State agencies to prepare for the snow storm and have equipment and resources in areas forecasted to be hit the hardest. We will continue to monitor the storm’s path as it approaches New York, and I urge people to pay attention to changing weather advisories as they prepare for the snow.”

Photo by Jason Persse/Flickr/ Creative Commons: A snow covered road in Williamsburg following a blizzard in December 2010.