A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for the New York area late Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon as a rapidly developing system threatens to bring around six inches to a foot of snow across the region.

The watch goes into effect late Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon at 6 p.m.

The watch covers all of New York City, Long Island, Northeast New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley and Southern Connecticut.

Heavy wet snow will develop overnight and continue into Thursday morning. Hazardous travel conditions are expected for the Thursday morning commute due to snow covered roads and poor visibilities.

The storm will begin with a brief period of rain in most areas, but will quickly change over to snow as temperatures plummet. Initially the snow will melt on paved surfaces. However, that can change in a matter of minutes as the rate of snow picks up.

Major cities at greatest risk for a period of accumulating snow include Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.

The snow could create hazardous travel due to snow covered roads and low visibility. There is a possibility for blowing and drifting snow.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 30s.

(YWN Desk – NYC)