New York City has issued a snow alert.

The coordinated response on Thursday includes the sanitation and transportation departments, along with the Office of Emergency Management.

The sanitation department says it was readying salt spreaders, plows and tire chains well before the onslaught began.

The National Weather Service is forecasting 8 to 12 inches of snow in New York City and surrounding suburbs.

The forecast calls for the snow to turn into a wintry mix or all rain in the late afternoon Thursday before changing back to snow. An additional 2 to 5 inches could fall Thursday evening.

The Office of Emergency Management has issued a hazardous travel advisory and winter storm warning for Thursday and Friday.

It urges people to use mass transit.

Motorists who must travel are advised to use major streets or highways whenever possible because those roadways will be cleared first.

Alternate side street parking regulations are in effect for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

New York City public schools are open, as well as most NYC Yeshivas.

(AP / YWN Desk – NYC)