Forecasters are warning that New York City's first significant snow accumulation of the year could have a major impact on the area Friday morning.
Snow is expected to begin falling in the Tri-State area late-Thursday night and pick up in intensity by early-Friday morning, with as much as 1-inch of snowfall per hour expected between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., just ahead of the morning rush hours.
Between 3 and 5 inches total is expected in most areas, while points along the I-95 corridor could get more than 5 inches.
In New York City, alternate side parking rules have been suspended Friday and Saturday to facilitate snow removal.
Forecasters warn that the high rate of snowfall early-Friday morning could lead to snow-covered roads and make driving especially hazardous.
Most of the precipitation is expected to come down between midnight and 7 a.m. Friday. A winter weather advisory will be in effect for the entire area from 12 a.m. until noon Friday.
The wintry weather should clear by Friday afternoon, though some isolated snow showers may pass through during the day.