Long Island Weather Forecast: Near-Blizzard Conditions Possible Thursday

UPDATE: Long Island Snow Total Estimates Rise Again, Winter Storm Warning Issued

Mother Nature is about to take us on a roller coaster. It will feel a bit like spring during the day Wednesday on Long Island as the temperature climbs to near 57 degrees. But things will take a very wintry turn come Thursday.

A winter storm watch is in effect from midnight until 6 p.m. Thursday. A total of 6-10 inches of snow is expected for the island, with higher amounts "certainly possible," the National Weather Service says. There's about a 30 percent chance of more than eight inches, according to NWS snowfall maps (see them below). The temperature will plunge from the mid-50s to the mid-30s between Wednesday afternoon and midnight Thursday. By noon Thursday, the temperature will be about 30 degrees.

Heavy snow will make travel hazardous due to snow covered roads and poor visibilities. Blowing and drifting snow will be possible. Wind gusts of 25-35 mph could create near-blizzard conditions on Long Island, the NWS says.

"The wet, clinging nature of the snow will weigh down tree limbs and could lead to sporadic power outages," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Henry Margusity says.

The precipitation may begin as a mix of rain and sleet late Wednesday night before turning to rain and snow overnight and then becoming all snow by around 8 a.m., the NWS says. The snow will continue to fall into the afternoon before tapering off.

"It is a fast moving system, but snow will be heavy at times, accumulating quickly," the NWS says. Snow could fall at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour at times.

Watch the National Weather Service's latest briefing on the storm below or read it here.