Monster snowstorm set to wreak havoc on NYC

The snow is really coming, folks.

Meteorologists tracking the winter storm system that’s slated to hit the Big Apple on Thursday say the city is still expected to see up to a foot of the white stuff — along with freezing rain, brutal winds and possibly even “thundersnow.”

“It’s really starting to gather some strength and is continuing to do so,” explained Brian Edwards, meteorologist with AccuWeather.

“There’s a lot of energy and instability,” he told The Post. “The storm still has a lot of time to deepen, too.”

As of 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, New York City was still forecast to receive between 8 to 12 inches of snow, while parts of Long Island were expected to see an inch or two more.

Edwards said conditions will likely be at their worst when New Yorkers wake up — with projected snow fall rates hovering around 1 to 2 inches per hour, starting around 5 a.m. and then tapering off at about 10 a.m.

“Traveling tomorrow for the morning commute is going to be very, very treacherous,” Edwards said. “Road conditions will be very bad through the midday hours. Heavy snow will be falling.”

A nasty mix of rain and sleet is supposed to make its way across the city and Tri-State area between 2 and 3 a.m. before it eventually turns to powder, Edwards added.

While winds are predicted to be ranging between 15 to 30 mph as the storm system strengthens, some parts of Suffolk County could see gusts up to 45, maybe even 50 mph along the eastern half of Long Island.

“The strongest winds will blow late morning and into afternoon,” Edwards said. “There will be near blizzard conditions for much of Suffolk County.”

City officials have already decided to close all public schools as a result of the storm. All colleges and universities will also be closed, as well.

But students should wait until at least the afternoon to pull the sleds out, Edwards warns.

“I would wait until the heaviest snow tapers off,” he said. “It will be very dangerous conditions. If people really want to go out, I would hold off until the afternoon.”

And snow isn’t the only thing New Yorkers should be worried about.

If the white stuff manages to melt throughout the day, meteorologists expect the remaining slush or water to freeze — turning the city streets into dangerously icy roadways.

“That’s another concern,” Edwards said. “Tomorrow night the temperatures are supposed to plummet down into the teens.”

To make matters worst — as the storm gets stronger — some parts of NYC could see a phenomenon known as “thundersnow.”

“Don’t be surprised if some people start reporting rumbles of thunder, as the system is strengthening,” Edwards said. “Thundersnow happens when the cold air is rising very rapidly. It tends to take place on these rare occasions, when you have these big snow rates.”