MA Weather: Up To 8 Inches Of Snow, Start Times Detailed

The first flake hasn't even fallen, but forecasters are already warning of increased snow totals for Thursday night's storm. The first widespread snow of the season will bring up to 8 inches into areas of Central and Eastern Massachusetts, the National Weather Service shortly after noon. The coast will still get more rain than anything.

Snow is expected to start falling some time around 7 to 8 p.m. See the map below for when to expect it near you. The precipitation will then change overnight into everyone's favorite: A wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain, with some gusty winds to boot.

Areas west of I-495 are now expected to get 6-8 inches of snow. The Merrimack Valley will be among the hardest-hit areas; It will be the first snow for thousands in the region who are still without gas service. Read: For Returning Gas Explosion Victims, Home Isn't Always Sweet

The Greater Boston area is expected to get 1-2 inches of snow. West of I-95 to 495 is looking at 4-6 inches. The coast could see just a dusting and the Cape may get just rain.

There is the always the possibility of school delays and closings when it gets messy. Worcester County and parts of Middlesex County appear at the biggest risk of canceling. Check our school closings list here, and stick with Patch throughout the day for the latest storm-related announcements.

There will be a winter storm warning across from of interior and a winter weather advisory for much of the rest of the state from 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Friday. The Cape and Islands will be under a wind advisory.

Thursday started off with a serious winter chill. Temperatures, which in the morning were in the 20s, are expected to sit in the 30s all day.

The wind won't do any favors, either. The wind gusts inside of I-495 will be between 30-60 miles per hour, the worst of that being on the Cape.

Photo by Jenna Fisher, Patch