A winter storm watch is in effect for the Wakefield area through Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

In announcing the area’s latest winter storm watch, the NWS cited the potential for heavy, wet snow and gusting winds, while acknowledging that the snowfall forecast continues to vary considerably.

“Unfortunately there is still some uncertainty regarding exact snowfall amounts… but this storm will have a significant impact on Southern New England,” said the NWS.

Before tapering off early Friday, the storm is likely to affect travel plans at its height, reported the NWS. Temperatures are expected to remain in the lower 30s throughout the storm, and wind gusts could reach as high as 35 mph.  As of Wednesday noontime, that forecast called for little more than 2 to 4 inches of total local snowfall, although that attached snowfall map from earlier in the day reflects more of a spotty statewide forecast. 

Elsewhere, a snowfall map on the WHDH website has Wakefield barely on the edge of the area that can expect 1 to 3 inches of snow.  By Saturday and Sunday the high could be in the low 50s, added the TV station.