A bitter cold spell has gripped the northeast and won't spare Long Island, where temperatures are not expected to rise above the 20s Wednesday.
The National Weather Service reported overnight temperatures in the single digits (about 10 degrees at Plainview at 5 a.m.) and is predicting scattered flurries after 1 p.m.
This afternoon's forecasted high is near 18, with wind chill values as low as -5 degrees. Northwest winds of about 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph, will make walking outside miserable.
Experts recommend dressing in layers, wearing gloves and hats and avoiding extended periods outdoors. The sick and elderly are particularly vulnerable.
Severe cold weather is predicted through the rest of the weekend, with the possibility of snow on Friday night, the NWS said.
