The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Thursday afternoon into Saturday morning.

The NWS says blizzard-like conditions are possible with a wintry mix Thursday changing over to snow Thursday night. Snow will be moderate to heavy at times late Thursday night through Friday.

A flash freeze is likely Thursday night with temperatures dropping more than 30 degrees in a matter of hours during the transition from rain to snow.

Total snow accumulations are forecast at 2 - 4 inches.

West winds could gust as high as 55 mph, and will cause significant blowing and drifting snow.

Travel could be very difficult with areas of blowing snow that could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring wind chills as low as 30 below zero that could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Dangerous cold is expected Thursday night into Sunday. Low temperatures will be in the single digits above and below zero. High temperatures will be in the single digits and teens. Wind chill values could fall to around 20 to 30 below zero at times. The lowest wind chills will be Friday into Saturday.

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