UPDATED (Friday, January 22, 2016; 4:42 pm)

The first big snow of the new year may arrive this weekend. Meteorologists have been watching a storm form all week, and now it looks as if southern New England may have some winter weather to contend with.

The Town of Newtown offered words of encouragement and a request for all residents to be safe through an anouncement on the town website late Friday afternoon.

“Please be aware and be prepared for any eventuality. Public Works crews are fully ready and will be clearing roads as soon as possible and appropriate,” the statement says in part.

“If the storm magnifies, then please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

Residents should report any utility disruptions directly to the utility company providing the service.

Hazardous conditions, such as downed utility poles or power lines, should be reported to the dispatchers at the Newtown Emergency Communications Center, who can be reached at 203-270-4296.

For those who have any specific road concerns other than an emergency, Public Works can be reached directly at 203-270-4300, or send a service request through the recently launched Public Works Service Request system located on the town website, newtown-ct.gov.

The latest projections from the National Weather Service in New York City, issued shortly after 8 am Friday morning, predict areas of Fairfield County will receive between 4 and 8 inches of snow this weekend. A Nor'easter, according to the weather service, will impact the tri-state area from late Friday night through Sunday morning.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for southern Connecticut. Meanwhile, a Winter Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for northeast New Jersey and southern Westchester County, N.Y.

The heaviest snow accumulations, of 7 to 12 inches, are currently being predicted across New York City, Long Island, and southern northeast New Jersey. The northern-northeast area of New Jersey and southern Westchester County will receive 5 to 9 inches of snow by the end of the weekend's storm, while the area north of I-84 will receive 2 to 8 inches of snow.

Newtown, according to a Storm Total Snow Range Forecast published by NWS Friday morning, could receive between 4 and 8 inches of snow by Sunday morning.

While the New York City area is under a Blizzard Warning for much of the impending weather event, Newtown — along with the rest of Fairfield County, and New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties —will be under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.

Residents may not see any snow on Friday, but will wake to precipitation if current models remain true. Snow is not expected to arrive until after 4 am Saturday, and will not be heavy until after 1 pm. An accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is predicted for Saturday.

Heavy snow, as well as winds of 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, are then expected.

Temperatures will be in the mid 20s, but will feel more like 5 to 15 with wind chills.

Travel could be hazardous, according to the weather service, “due to reduced visibilities and significant snows accumulations. Blowing and drifting of snow with near blizzard conditions are expected due to strong winds.”

Snow is expected to continue steadily until 3 am Sunday, tapering off and then slowing around 7 am. Sunday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 33, and with northwest winds of 7 to 13 mph. The storm should be out of the area by Sunday afternoon.

While the accumulations of snow are less than previously predicted for the approaching storm, the winds remain a concern. Visibility could be as low as one half mile or less at times.

A Winter Storm Watch means “there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel,” the weather service reminds area residents this morning.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy on Friday afternoon announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation has been pre-treating roadways throughout the state, "especially on bridge surfaces and those 'tough spots' on hills and valleys," a post on his official Facebook page said. CTDOT's entire fleet of plow trucks are ready to go, in addition to 200 private contractors should they be needed.

The governor has directed the state's Severe Cold Weather Protocol to be extended through January 24 as cold temperatures and snow impact the state. This protocol activates a network of procedures to ensure that the most vulnerable receive shelter from the cold. Those looking for locations of shelters and warming centers should call 211 for assistance.

Change Of Plans?

Local groups, organizations, businesses and anyone else with plans that need to be cancelled or postponed due to this weekend's weather is invited to contact The Newtown Bee to get the word out.

Send email to Associate Editor Shannon Hicks, at , with cancellation or early closing details. Announcements will be posted as soon as possible.shannon@thebee.com

The latest model from the National Weather Service is predicting an approaching snow storm will drop between 4 and 8 inches of snow for Newtown, and much of Fairfield County, the next two days. Winds could be more troublesome than snow accumulations, however, according to the weather service.