Winter weather lovers, rejoice: We're almost certain to get our first significant snowstorm of the season on Saturday.

That of course means the potential for dangerous roads — with heavy snow covers and poor visibility — on a prime holiday shopping weekend.

Cities, villages and towns were already preparing for the onslaught late Friday, issuing snow emergencies and taking other steps.

The snow is expected to start falling late Saturday morning. The pace of the snowfall will accelerate Saturday evening and continue at a heavy rate through early Sunday morning.

From 6 to 10 inches could pile up in the immediate Capital Region by the time the snow stops on Sunday.

"We're going to get some snow out of this weekend's storm," National Weather Service meteorologist Ian Lee said.

Lee predicted the Adirondack Mountain region should get a similar accumulation.

Heavier totals are expected in the lower Hudson Valley, he said, which could end up with 14 inches more on the ground by the time the storm is expected to ease at 1 p.m. Sunday.

As well as the snowfall, expect temperatures to be much chillier — with little chance of getting as warm as the 32-degree freezing mark. Friday's overnight was expected to fall close to the single digits in the region, perhaps lower. On Saturday the high may not quite make it to the 20-degree mark.

Temperatures overnight Saturday will also be close to the single digits and rise to between 15 and 25 degrees during the day on Sunday.

Advocates for the homeless have declared a so-called Code Blue, urging homeless people in Albany to seek shelter this weekend because of the cold. Those needing shelter can call 463-2124 ext. 229 or go to the Capital City Rescue Mission at 259 S. Pearl St., Albany. Code Blue is organized by the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society.