NJ Weather: Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Warning

The winter storm that's expected to hit New Jersey this weekend may be worse than we thought. And the threat level was raised late Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for South Jersey and the Jersey Shore, saying that as many as 9 inches could fall. The NWS has issued a winter storm advisory in Central Jersey and North Jersey.

Read more: Hour-By-Hour Forecast Of Weekend Snowstorm In N.J.

Here are the alerted areas:

Here's what to expect:

• WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Plan on difficult travel conditions. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 9 inches in Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic, Cape May, Camden, Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties are possible. The rest of the state could get 2 to 8 inches.
• WHEN...From late Friday night through late Saturday night, primarily from 1 a.m Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday. The heaviest snow accumulations will occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Significant reductions in visibility are possible.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...A winter storm watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. A winter weather advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

The National Weather Service also has issued a new briefing package, saying the alerts could expand westward.

The storm is expected to be a "snow event" with mixing along the coast. There will be slushy accumulation mainly on untreated surfaces and grassy areas. The highest accumulations south of I-195 and east of the I-95 corridor. No icing, coastal flooding or damaging winds are expected.

Saturday night, however, will turn much colder with all areas dropping below freezing. Any remaining snow or water on untreated roads, driveways, and sidewalks will likely re-freeze, according to AccuWeather.

Roads in much of the swath from southeastern Virginia to southeastern New Jersey and Long Island, New York are likely to be mainly wet with perhaps a few slushy spots, according to AccuWeather.

The storm is forecast to strengthen enough to throw steadier precipitation across central and eastern New England, according to AccuWeather. At least some of that precipitation will fall in the form of accumulating snow.

Here is the forecast:

• Friday night/Saturday morning: A chance of snow, mainly after 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
• Saturday: Snow likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
• Saturday night: A chance of snow, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. West wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 36. West wind 6 to 15 mph.
• Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

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