Snow Dumps on East End; Expected to Continue Throughout Morning into Afternoon

A snowstorm that's still slamming Long Island is expected to leave 15 to 20 inches in total across Riverhead and the North Fork before all is said and done. The South Fork is expecting 8 to 12 inches. 

According to the National Weather Service, the "heaviest snow will occur into mid-morning...and taper off late this morning into this afternoon." A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6:oo Wednesday evening. 

Snowfall started Tuesday evening around 9:00 and continued steadily throughout the night. or opening late on Wednesday due to the snowfall, with many private businesses expected to open late. 

According to the Riverhead Police Department, car accidents overnight were minimal. Commuters are urged to use the same caution. 

"Drivers have been heeding the warnings to stay off the road and let the plow guys do their jobs," said Sergeant Ed Frost. "It's been effective at this point. Hopefully it stays that way."

Frost reported that a few false alarms had been reported overnight, most likely due to wind. Police said just a single motor vehicle accident was reported from 9:00 Tuesday night until 8:00 Wednesday morning. However one police officer said he "saw a bunch of cars stranded on the side of the road."

Wind gusts are predicted to blow between 15 and 25 miles per hour, at times getting up to 35 mph. Visibility is expected to be less than a quarter mile. 

According to the NWS, "motorists should avoid all unnecessary travel."

Police cautioned for those who must hit the street, "proceed with extreme caution, use main roads, reduce your driving speed, and have an emergency travel kit with you including a cell phone."