10am Update Zone 2: Snow increasing in intensity

Regional analysis suggests the development of a coastal storm will continue over the next few hours. The most recent near term/mesoscale models continue to remain relatively steady with the development of heavier snow over the next few hours over Long Island. The increase in intensity will be gradual, as lift and moisture in the atmosphere begin to increase. Snow accumulations will also be gradual to occur through 12:00pm.

Increasing lift in the atmosphere will be supported by the developing storm system and the presence of a very notable jet streak in the atmosphere’s upper levels. This will allow precipitation to expand to the northwest of the low pressure area, which will be off the coast of the Mid Atlantic states during the middle part of the day today.

Periods of moderate to heavy snow are likely during the early afternoon hours as the dynamics make their closest approach to the area. These bands may produce snowfall rates that will result in degradation of road conditions, especially those that are untreated or unplowed through that period of time.

The best support for banding exists across the East End later this afternoon, particularly central and eastern Suffolk County where bands of heavy snow could produce snowfall rates in excess of 1″/hr for a period of time with reduced visibility and blowing of snow.

Further updates will continue this morning and afternoon with additional zone updates forthcoming. Video updates are scheduled to begin around 11:00am with live blog issuance around noon.