While this is not a big storm, the timing of the heaviest precipitation will make conditions hazardous, if not outright dangerous, for some areas during the heart of the Thursday morning commute. The heaviest snow and ice will likely be between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., a short but impactful timeframe. Any untreated roads, sidewalks and other surfaces, like steps and railings will be iced over with heavy, cement-like snow and a light glaze of ice on top. Watch your step out the door in the morning if necessary to leave. If a later commute, after 10 a.m., or a remote day is possible, that would be the safer alternative to avoid the icy conditions.

Light snow or sleet showers are possible as soon as about 3 or 4 a.m., but the dry air will eat into the initial bands of wintry weather. The brunt of the storm quickly picks up after 6 a.m., with a burst of heavy snow or sleet likely after 6 a.m. Depending on the exact track and intensity, this could mean a light glaze of ice forms on untreated surfaces during the heart of the morning commute. It only takes a tiny amount to stick to create dangerous conditions. Eventually the snow and ice will change over to rain by 10 a.m., ending as a brief round of plain rain through about noon. A slushy inch or so of slushy snow and sleet is likely before transitioning to the light glaze of freezing rain and then plain rain to end.

The poor timing could cause significant impacts to the morning commute. In addition to slick and icy roads, especially where it is untreated, the light glaze could cause problems opening car doors, and slippery sidewalks and stairs for those walking outside. You will want to stay tuned not only for this storm, but for the next several storms that loom afterwards, as a parade of storms is just beginning. A similar setup with a wintry mix is possible from Saturday into early Sunday, and possibly a few more inches of snow to begin on Saturday evening. An even snowier setup is possible next Tuesday into Wednesday morning, with a much higher ceiling of total snow potential. More details about this weekend's storm will be known once Thursday's storm moves out.