Get ready for a blast of winter snow.

The Capital Region could get anywhere from 8 to 12 inches of snow on Wednesday, the day a storm is expected to blow into the area, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Albany.

Heavy snow is expected to fall during the day and evening. Forecasters expected the snowfall will be widespread throughout eastern New York and New England.

The weather service predicts up to 12 inches could fall in an area that includes the southern Adirondacks, Capital Region, Catskills, lower Hudson Valley and western Massachusetts. The highest accumulations are expected in the southern Adirondacks.

A winter storm watch — meaning significant amounts of snow, sleet or ice will affect travel safety — will be in effect for the entire Capital Region Wednesday morning to Thursday morning.

Check school closings and delays.

Two storms from the west and the south are moving together and by midweek will strengthen over the Northeast, said Christina Speciale, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albany.

While snow is expected to fall during the day, the heaviest amount of snowfall is expected Wednesday afternoon and evening.

"The evening commute on Wednesday could be really nasty and hazardous," Speciale said.

Roads and sidewalks were covered in frozen slush around the region on Monday.

Forecasters say there should be no snow or rain until Wednesday.

In anticipation of significant snow amounts, Amsterdam already declared a snow emergency effective 8 a.m. Wednesday. All vehicles must be off the streets by that time. The tentative end date is 6 p.m. Thursday.

City-owned parking lots will be available. For information, call the Amsterdam Police Department (518) 842-1100.

Monday's high temperature — 30 degrees — came at 6:30 a.m. A chill moved into the area, bringing a temperature plunge and wind gusts.

Tuesday will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. There is a a slight chance of snow showers before 4 p.m.