The first snowstorm of the 2012-13 season is on its way. 

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning early Thursday for much of the Chicago area, including DuPage County. The watch is in effect from 3 p.m. Thursday until 3 a.m. Friday.

Rain is expected to change to wet snow late Thursday afternoon through the evening, with strong winds developing and heavy snow likely, according to the National Weather Service.

The heaviest snowfall willl occur in the immediate Chicago metro area between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to the alert. Forecasters are predicting 2 to 6 inches of snow, with the higher amounts favorred in the north and northwest suburbs. Locally higher amounts are possible if heavy snow bands with thundersnow, the alert states.

Winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph by late Thursday afternoon, and continue Thursday night with gusts up to 50 or 60 mph possible.

The combination of snow and strong winds will result in reduced visibility and possibly near blizzard conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Strong winds could cause minor damage or sporadic power outages.

Check back with Patch throughout the day for updates on local weather conditions.

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