Nor'Easter Status [Updated at 9:00 am 1/2/2014]

During the course of this morning and afternoon periods of light snow with little accumulation can be expected.  The storm will intensify with heavier accumulating snow shortly after sundown this evening.

Two separate weather systems approaching our area will coalesce later this afternoon, intensify and result in a winter storm (nor'easter) whose primary impact will be felt in Broad Channel from late this afternoon through tomorrow morning.

Our coastal area is only expected to receive anywhere from 5 to 8 inches of snow but near blizzard conditions (sustained northeast winds of 15 to 30 mph with higher gusts) will make any accumulation hard to measure.

Forget all the media hoopla about "Winter Storm Hercules"... a "major storm set to slam NYC..."... "Bliizard Threatens NY", and the like.  

I have received several emails expressing concern about the media's use of the term "Blizzard."  

Keep in mind that the term "blizzard" refers only to  sustained high winds (35+ mph) with reduced visibility (under a quarter mile) for 3 hours or more hours and not a specific amount of snow accumulation. 

In fact, you can experience a "ground blizzard" with no actual falling snow and only an inch or two of snow on the ground if the wind and visibility conditions are met. 

Remember, it is winter and this is just another routine nor'easter of the type we deal with each winter season here on the coast.

That being said, the primary concerns with this storm tonight and tomorrow morning will be:

•  sustained high winds of 15 to 30 mph
•  extremely cold temperatures in the low teens with wind chills below zero
•  slick roads and wind driven snow 
•  tidal and coastal flooding at times of high tides tonight and tomorrow morning.

Precautions:

Get any shopping you may need to do early today to avoid going out tonight or tomorrow morning.

Make sure your home heating system is fueeld and operational.

Make sure you park your car safely on higher ground (Cross Bay Boulevard Median) not prone to tidal flooding - alternate side of the street parking regulations are suspended during the storm but metered parking remains in effect.

After sunset this evening, drip your domestic water lines if they are prone to freezing or bursting in extremely cold weather.

Check on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and infirm, to ensure they are okay and have sufficient heat.

If it is absolutely necessary to travel during the height of the storm tonight, do so carefully!

In case of emergency contact the BCVFD at 718-474-8888 or dial 911.