NJ weather: Forecast now calls for up to 11 inches possible between Tuesday and Wednesday

The forecast for this week's storm has changed dramatically, with the National Weather Service now projecting that up to 11 inches of snow could fall in parts of North Jersey between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Earlier Monday, the NWS called for only about 3 inches in the area. 

There is a winter storm watch in effect for northeastern New Jersey from Tuesday night until Wednesday evening. Some light snow could start as early as the afternoon but is more likely Tuesday evening before coming down harder after midnight, said meteorologist David Wally of the National Weather Service. 

The NWS predicts heavy, wet snow with accumulations of 5 to 11 inches for North Jersey, New York City and the lower Hudson Valley. Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Morris counties are likely to fall in the 8- to 10-inch range, Wally said.

The heaviest of the snow should come after daybreak Wednesday and last through the afternoon. This may cause difficult commuting conditions on Wednesday. The NWS says visibility could be limited at times.

Also, wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph will accompany the storm.

"Those together will likely result in bringing down some power lines and tree limbs," Wally said.

If it's any consolation, the rest of the week is expected to be mostly clear and sunny with highs in the mid 40s.

Despite the official start of spring Tuesday, Wally said it's not unusual to have late-March snowstorms.

"It becomes a little bit more difficult because of the cold air mass you need in place," he said, "but I don’t think it’s unusual every so often, every few years."

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