WEATHER ALERT: Winter storm watch issued

National Weather Service, Mount Holly, N.J., 3:30 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009

A winter storm watch will be in effect from late Friday night through late Saturday night. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch.

Low pressure will intensify as it moves up the coast Friday night and affects the area later Friday night into or through Saturday night. Heavy snow is possible as this nor’easter moves just to the east of the area.

Warmer air may mix in from the ocean and cause a mix or change to rain right along the coast, keeping snow amounts less than areas just inland. However, as the storm pulls away, even these areas may change back to all snow and receive heavy snow amounts.

There is a potential for areas of heavy snow to combine with gusty winds to cause dangerous travel conditions Saturday and into Saturday night. Winds are likely to be strong, especially closer to and at the coast. This will worsen travel conditions by causing blowing and drifting of the snow.

A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.