Some forecasters think most of the state will get brushed by very light snow, while others say 3 to 6 inches could fall

The first snowfall projections have been released for a potentially major winter storm taking aim at the Northeast, with up to a half-foot of accumulation possible in a broad area. A coating in some locations to as much as a few inches will extend from the southern Appalachians to the mid-Atlantic

Winter weather warnings have been issued for five U.S. states, including West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Alaska, as up to 10 inches of snow are forecasted. The National Weather Service (NWS) cautioned about hazardous driving conditions,

Snowfall totals on Thursday are expected to be light. The weekend forecast for a more serious winter storm remains uncertain.

Snow will turn into sleet and freezing rain along parts of the Southeast, as well as southern Arkansas, the weather service reported. Forecasters warn that icy conditions, between a tenth and a quarter inch of ice, will make travel dangerous for many. Power outages and downed branches are also a concern.

Several states were under winter storm warnings or winter weather advisories from the NWS as of early Thursday.