According to the National Weather Service, the area should expect a significant snowfall this weekend, with the potential for 8-12 inches across most of southwest Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh anticipates a mix of rain and snow, with a potential for significant accumulation and infrastructure challenges due to subzero temperatures.

Frigid air is expected to be in place for the region through next week.

It all depends on the storm track — that is, the path that the low-pressure center of the storm traces across the country.

Pittsburgh expects snowy conditions and sub-zero temperatures, with travel and cold weather advisories in effect.

The storm, which The Weather Channel named Winter Storm Fern, could bring damaging ice and heavy snow to a stretch of the country that includes parts of the South, Midwest and Northeast. The National Weather Service predicts the storm will start Friday across the south-central U.

Bill Kelly has the latest NEXT Weather forecast on the winter storm set to dump snow on the Philadelphia region this weekend.

The Nashville office of the National Weather Service upgraded the winter storm watch to a warning ahead of expected snow and ice this weekend.