Winter storm watch remains in effect Wednesday

A winter storm watch remains in effect from Wednesday morning through evening.

Heavy mixed precipitation is in the forecast, with the potential for snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch.

The snow is expected to arrive shortly before sunrise Wednesday, which could begin to cause some slick spots for the morning commute, according to Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather.

Kines said that once the snow gets here, it will likely continue for a couple of hours, eventually turning over to sleet and freezing rain.

“What’s going to play a big role in how much we get is when it changes over to sleet and freezing rain,” Kines said. “The farther north you go, the worse in terms of snow.”

Kines said slush is expected to form, and with the drop in temperature, it will turn to ice.

“If you can shovel before dark tomorrow, do it,” he said. “It will make life so much easier for you.”

Kines said the snow is expected to wind down late Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures expected to reach the lower 30s.

“It’s going to be a slow climb,” he said. “The temperatures tomorrow night will drop back into the teens, that’s why there’s going to be problem with slush.”

Kines again stressed, “The important thing tomorrow is remove the snow before nightfall.”

He said temperatures Thursday are expected to reach the upper 20s, low 30s, before dipping back into the teens at night.

Kines said Friday is expected to be a cloudy day, with temperatures in the lower- to mid- 30s.

Check online for the latest storm updates.