ALERTS: A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Friday evening. Heavy snow is likely with the potential for travel impacts. A watch means conditions are favorable. A warning means they are expected imminently.

SNOW FORECAST: A general three to six inches of snow is expected for most of Long Island. East of Riverhead, those totals can be more in the one to three inch range which is why a winter storm watch is not in effect at this time. There will likely be a winter weather advisory issued for this area if forecast snow amounts do not increase. In Nassau County and western Suffolk County, isolated higher amounts between six and eight inches cannot completely be ruled out at this time. Stay with News 12 for updates throughout the rest of this week.

It's a merry, bright Christmas Eve, but winter weather could impact travelers and plans for the end of the week. There's a winter storm approaching the Island on Friday afternoon. The latest model guidance brings accumulating snow starting Friday evening through Saturday morning.

Today: Sunny and breezy. Highs in the mid-40s, but it feels like the mid-30s. Winds could gust up to 35 mph this afternoon.

Overnight: Mostly cloudy and less breezy late. Lows in the low 30s.

Thursday: Christmas. Cloudy with a spotty afternoon rain shower. Highs in the mid-40s, but it feels like the upper 30s. Breezy in the afternoon with winds up to 20 mph.

Friday: Mostly cloudy and cold. Highs near 30. Snow showers develop in the evening and increase overnight. One to three inches of snow is possible.

Saturday: Snow showers are likely in the morning. Total snow accumulation of 3 to 6 inches is possible.

Highs near 30.

Sunday: Cloudy with highs in the mid-30s. A wintry mix is possible in the evening.

Monday: A wintry mix in the morning, then mostly cloudy with highs near 40.

Midweek: New Year’s. Very cold with dry conditions. Highs in the 20s and overnight lows potentially in the single digits or teens.