Welcome spring: Winter storm warning begins tonight, up to 8 inches possible

The first day of Spring has officially begun in the United States.

The warm side of Winter Storm Selene will also produce severe thunderstorms and heavy rain in parts of the South, mid-Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley.

While the flakes were often large and came down at a relatively brisk pace, in most areas the snow melted soon after hitting the ground due to temperatures remaining at about freezing.

The Weather Service said there’s a 20 percent chance for snow on Thursday night, a 20 percent chance for rain and snow Friday night, and chances for rain at 30 percent Saturday, 40 percent Saturday night and 20 percent Sunday.

The mountains of Maryland and West Virginia may see some snow accumulation.

Plymouth nurse Kathy McKee said that she thought she had seen the last of snow this year and was disappointed when she saw the forecast.

Margaret Curtis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Portland and coastal communities are on the outer edge of the 500-mile-wide ocean storm, a situation that has produced a variation in forecasts.

The spring storm brought just a few inches of snow to much of Rhode Island, but disrupted schools and businesses.

The heaviest amounts will be measured on grassy and elevated surfaces, but roads will still turn slick for a time. Gusty winds will also blow over the region causing the snow to blow and reducing the visibility.

Philadelphia and New York City could get 1 to 3 inches.

Odds favor Boston receiving the most snow between these four cities with a few inches expected. However, the snow is likely to clear up by Monday morning. However, snow could streak back into northern New England at midweek before the spring warmth returns. The wind will make it feel several degrees cooler.