While the day will start off partly cloudy across the region, Mother Nature is set to make an impact in a big way as heavy snow is expected to begin falling later today.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow is expected for much of the tri-state with some places expected to receive anywhere from 3-5 inches of snow throughout the afternoon and evening hours, with the snow expected to continue through much of the weekend as a winter weather advisory has been issued for the tri-state area beginning at 7 P.M. tonight, and lasting until 1 P.M. on Saturday.

While the snow will be heavy in some areas, Saturday's temperatures will be warmer in some cases with highs reaching into the low 40s, but as the snow tapers off into the end of the weekend, bitter cold air is expected as Sunday's high will only reach into the high teens.

Various travel advisories have also been issued for motorists in the region, especially those traveling about tonight and tomorrow as the NECC Basketball Tournaments continue and motorists are asked to travel with extreme caution, and to allow extra time reaching your destination.