It might be time to get the shovels out one last time this winter – a storm system developing to the area's west has the potential to bring several inches of snow and powerful winds to Malverne, West Hempstead, Lynbrook and potential coastal flooding in East Rockaway.
Forecast models have been in disagreement throughout the past few days over the exact path and timing of the storm system, which could intensify into the prototypical nor'easter if recent models are correct.
Meteorologists call for the storm to strike late Tuesday evening and throughout the day Wednesday.
The National Weather Service has forecasted the potential for several inches of snow, winds of 35 to 45 mph and gusts up to 60 mph and minor to moderate coastal flooding. High surf and significant beach erosion, especially to those beaches still battered from Hurricane Sandy, is also expected from the storm system.
Many forecast models, used by meteorologists to predict oncoming storms and weather trends, have been in disagreement since Saturday.
The United States' GFS model was among the first to disagree, trending the storm further north after battering the Maryland/Virginia area with over a foot of snow. As of the 11 a.m. update from the model, the system appears to intensify off of the Del-Mar coastline and produce moderate snowfall over the northeast from Philadelphia to Boston.
The European model, which had correctly tracked Hurricane Sandy almost five days out, has not completely buckled to the GFS' forecast. It has kept the storm system south of New York and Long Island, taking the powerful low-pressure out to sea.
Both models, however, showed high potential for at least 3 inches of snow, if not more.
The National Weather Service did note there is still time for models and forecasts to change and advised residents to keep an eye on local media for updates.
As of 3:15 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service has not issued any winter storm-related advisories, watches or warnings.
We will continue to bring you the latest on the potential nor'easter here at Patch.
