Winter Storm Predicted to Start by 1 a.m.

A winter storm warning for eastern Suffolk and the Connecticut shoreline was issued Wednesday by the National Weather Service, with as much as 10 inches of snow and high winds expected on Thursday. The agency also issued a coastal flood advisory for the day.

At least six inches of snow was predicted, with up to a foot of accumulation in some places. Wind gusts as high as 50 miles per hour could cause whiteout conditions on the roads and possible damage to trees and power lines.

Thursday morning and early afternoon trips on the Hampton Jitney in and out of New York City were suspended due to the anticipated heavy snowfall. Additional cancellations were likely, the Jitney said.

Manuel C. Chillogalli of M.C. Landscaping in East Hampton, which does snowplowing, said Wednesday afternoon that he was ready for the storm. His company has one truck based in Springs, and he said he would call on friends and relatives if the work piled up. Asked if the area would could expect a lot of snow, he said, "Absolutely."

Richie Becker of Becker's Home Center in Montauk reported that the store had been selling lots of salt -- and birdseed. It is low on electric heat tape, he said, which is used to cover outdoor pipes and those in unheated locations.

Mr. Becker said the store had sold more snow shovels on Wednesday than the previous day and that it had a good stock of firewood and electric heaters. He said the store would be open during the storm, with hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At the Montauk I.G.A., firewood was in demand, with customers buying more than usual on Wednesday. Others are stocking up on basics, such as milk and bread. The management planned on being open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. depending on the weather.

Thursday's anticipated snowstorm will come from a low-pressure air mass taking shape off the coast of Florida, the Weather Service said. The low will move northward, coming into contact with a trough of polar air that has gripped the eastern states. Dangerously cold conditions will return on Friday and persist into the weekend.

PSEG-Long Island reminded customers in advance of the storm to phone 1-800-490-0075 for electricity emergencies, including downed wires. In East Hampton, snow is forecast to begin by 1 a.m., with a 100-percent chance of snow from about 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Winds are forecast to be from the north, shifting to northwest by nightfall on Thursday.

Cancellations for Thursday included Southampton Town Hall and the Bridgehampton School.