SYRACUSE -- A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow mixed with sleet or freezing rain is in effect for Central New York and much of upstate New York from 7:00 PM Wednesday until 10:00 PM Thursday.

The National Weather Service issues a Winter Storm Warning when severe weather is expected. The most recent warning covers most of upstate New York.

Expect weather hazards of heavy and blowing snow with accumulations of between 8 and 16 inches. Winds will be from 15 to 30 miles per hour with visibilities as low as a quarter of a mile at times and localized whiteout conditions.

Snowfall rates of two inches per hour will keep roads covered overnight. Avoid driving is possible, as heavy snow will cause dangerous driving conditions. Use extreme caution if travel is unavoidable.

The Syracuse Police Department has issued a parking reminder to all city residents, saying "Residents are encouraged to use off street parking if available, and to follow all regulations, especially odd/even parking regulations if parking on the street. Illegally parked vehicles that are hindering snow removal operations may be ticketed and towed if necessary."

Centro says many of its buses will be running on snow routes for the duration of the storm. Click here for a list of Centro snow routes.

6 to 12 inches of heavy, wet snow is expected in eastern New York, possibly changing to freezing rain on Thursday.

Here's more information from CNY Central meteorologist Peter Hall, referencing the map above within this story:

"A winter storm warning is in effect for all of CNY from late this afternoon through Thursday. This morning's update on Facebook includes a forecast snowfall total map by 5:00 p.m. Thursday.

Note the lower amounts the further east and southeast. That is due to some sleet mixing in and lower amounts of precipitation falling from the sky. Western and northwestern areas have a higher risk for the highest amounts by Thursday afternoon due to "all snow" and some lake enhancement. This will make for tough driving conditions tonight through Thursday."

Even though school is out for the week due to the holiday break, stay with CNY Central Wednesday evening through all day Thursday for the latest weather and closings information.