Vermont Weather: Heaviest Snow Expected Thursday Night, Friday

BURLINGTON, VT — By midday Thursday, snowflakes and rain were falling throughout much of Vermont, but multiple weather forecasts predict the worst of a massive winter storm system is yet to come.

A long stretch of states from New Mexico to Maine remained under winter storm warnings and watches Thursday, prompted by a significant winter weather system that's predicted to slam millions of Americans with freezing rain and heavy snow.

Multiple inches of snow were expected from the southern Rockies to northern New England, while forecasters said heavy ice buildup was likely from Texas to Pennsylvania.

Much of Vermont was under a winter storm warning that went into effect early Thursday morning.

RELATED: Vermont Weather: Winter Storm Warning In Effect For Most Of State

As the system moved in Thursday, light snow and rain developed across much of the state; however, significant widespread snow was expected to start falling by 5 p.m., according to NBC5 in Burlington.

Widespread accumulation of 6 to 12 inches was predicted for parts of the state, though areas near Lake George and central Vermont could exceed the predicted snowfall, NBC5 reported. Meanwhile, ice and sleet were expected in far southern Vermont, where total snow accumulation will likely be between 3 and 6 inches.

The snowstorm will reach its peak during the overnight hours, NBC5 reported. By 10 p.m., blinding snow and extremely difficult travel should be expected.

Snowfall rates could also hit 3 inches per hour in central Vermont heading into the early morning hours Friday, according to forecasts.

Check the latest forecast, as well as watches and warnings for your part of the state, via the National Weather Service.

Check road conditions at newengland511.org.