White Christmas (Weekend): Snow Expected Sunday

The state is likely to get its first winter storm Sunday with heavy snow and gusty winds possible, according to forecasts. 

Light snow is expected to start Sunday around 4 p.m. and continue through the night, with seven inches possible. The area could be hit with wind gusts of 35 mph, the National Weather Service says.

Snowfall will continue until around 9 a.m. Monday, the forecast says.  The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon for northeast New Jersey and surrounding areas.

Near blizzard conditions are possible at times, and travel could become dangerous, the winter weather watch says.

The rest of the week's forecast is below from the National Weather Service:

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. 

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. 

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. 

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. 

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. 

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42. 

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. 

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 43.