UPDATE: Central NJ is Under a Winter Storm Watch; 6 to 10 Inches of Snow

4 PM UPDATE: 

A winter storm watch is now in effect from 3 pm Friday to 6 am Saturday for our area, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Predicted snow accumulations are 6 to 10 inches.

Snow early on Friday is forecast to change to rain during the daylight hours, then back to heavy snow late in the day on Friday and into the evening. A snowfall rate of one to two inches an hour may happen during the heaviest snowfall.

Winds of 30 to 40 mph will produce drifts as well. There is also a small chance of a thunderstorm during the storm. Expect temperatures in the 25 to 30 degree range.

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It's still early, but the preliminary forecasts of snow from what could be the Big Storm of 2013 are in the five to ten inch range, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

In New Jersey, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, and Hunterdon are among the counties now under a winter storm watch in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.

A low pressure area is forecast to develop near the Carolina coast late today, then track in a northeast direction while intensifying through Friday night. That brings the storm track to the east with the potential for a big snowfall.

Snow is expected to develop Friday morning, then mix with freezing rain or change to sleet for some time across the entire area. The precipitation is expected to be heavy at times during the afternoon and evening. Strong wind gusts are also forecast.

Keep tuned to Patch for updates to the weather forecast.

Tell Us: Are you ready for the snowstorm? What do you still have to do to be prepared? Comment below!