Winter On The Way As Messy Thursday Nor'easter Brings Chance For First Significant Snowfall

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Brace yourselves, New Yorkers -- winter is coming. Temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s or even teens in some parts of the Tri-State area overnight, setting the stage for the first significant snowfall of the year.

MORE: Winter Storm Survival Guide

Thursday will start off bright and sunny, but things are expected to turn real grey, and real messy, real fast.

Areas north and west of the city can expect to see upwards of five inches of the white fluffy stuff, with the city and surrounding suburbs likely getting between one and three inches of wet snow.

WATCH: Sanitation Department Discusses Preparations For Thursday Snow 

Much of Long Island and areas south of the city will probably see a coating to an inch, with rain taking over across the area by early Friday morning.

The New York City Department of Sanitation issued a snow alert for Thursday starting at noon. In addition, the city's Department of Transportation announced alternate side parking regulations will be suspended on Thursday to facilitate snow operations throughout the five boroughs.

A code blue is also in effect as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, with temperatures expected to plummet below freezing ahead of the winter blast.

Some New Jersey schools will be closing early Thursday:

Essex County
Gramon School
Pingry School (Short Hills)

Hunterdon County
Hunterdon Preparatory School

Morris County
Calais School
East Hanover Township School District
Dover Public Schools
Lincoln Park Public Schools
Montville Township Public Schools
Morris Plains School District
Morris School District
Netcong Elementary School
Roxbury Public Schools

Passaic County
Wanaque School District

Somerset County
Pingry School (Basking Ridge)

Warren County
Belvidere School District
Hackettstown School District
Warren Hills Regional School District

Stick with CBSNewYork.com for the latest models, forecasts, and weather alerts.