Snow will have no trouble sticking quickly as temperatures have been below freezing.

Snow rates will increase to at least 1 to 2 inches per hour for several hours.

The heaviest of that snow will start to be less intense by around 2 a.m. Saturday. This will be a quick but very impactful hit of the worst of this storm.

Road conditions will deteriorate quickly. Please avoid heading out until after Saturday morning's snow cleanup if you can.

SNOW TOTALS: Expect a general 4 to 8 inches of snow across most of Long Island. Two variables, however, can alter this a little. First, there is a chance some sleet that can mix in along the South Shore of Long Island. This would keep the South Shore in the lower end of the forecast snow range. The News 12 Storm Watch Team is also watching where some heavier snow bands set up. There is the chance for 2 inches or more snow per hour where the heaviest banding occurs. Trying to predict exactly where those bands set up is like trying to predict the exact location of where a summer thunderstorm develops. These details only become clear as the storm unfolds. That said, most of Long Island is still expected to see the 4 to 8 inch range of snow.

WHEN DOES IT END?! Heavy snow becomes lighter overnight, generally after 2 a.m. The bulk of accumulating snow should be done by 8 a.m. with a few lingering snow showers or flurries after that. Sun will break out gradually Saturday afternoon.

HEAVY OR LIGHT SNOW TO CLEAN UP? Initially, the snow type will be lighter and more fluffy, but that will change overnight as temperatures warm a few degrees. The snow weight will become heavier into Saturday morning. Please use caution when cleaning it up.

GOOD PACKING SNOW TO HAVE FUN IN? Yes, by Saturday morning, it should be a decent packing snow for the kids (and kids at heart) to have fun in safely at home.

STAY WITH NEWS 12: The News 12 Storm Watch Team will continue to provide live weather updates on-air, online and on social media through the night. Please share any storm photos and snow totals with us when you can safely do so.

OVERNIGHT: STORM WATCH — Steady, at times heavy, accumulating snow. Poor visibility to make for dangerous travel. Scattered power outages from the weight of snow on trees and power lines cannot be ruled out. Lows will be in the mid-20s. Wind: northeast 5 to 10 mph with some overnight gusts near 20 mph.

SATURDAY: STORM WATCH (EARLY A.M.) -- Snow tapers off to flurries early to midmorning. Dangerous travel conditions can linger, and there will be a significant cleanup to do. Highs near 32. Breaks of sun develop in the afternoon. Lows near 20 with icy travel overnight.

SUNDAY: Increasing clouds, with rain developing late in the day. Highs around 40. Lows near 32.

MONDAY: Rain showers taper off in the morning. Sun and clouds for the afternoon, with breezy conditions. Highs near 50. Lows near 25.

TUESDAY: Sun and clouds. Breezy. Cold. Highs around 33. Lows near 24.

WEDNESDAY: NEW YEAR'S EVE — Sun and clouds. Breezy. Cold. Highs around 36. Lows near 22.

THURSDAY: NEW YEAR'S DAY — Partly sunny to mostly cloudy. Highs around 31. Lows near 21.

FRIDAY: Sun and clouds. Highs near 37. Lows near 25.