BOSTON -- Much of the state is in for a one-two winter punch over the next several days, with one storm hitting the state Thursday and another on its way for Sunday.

Storm Team 5 meteorologist J.C. Monahan said some of the snow was already in New Jersey and Pennsylvania early Thursday morning.

Most of Massachusetts will see an accumulation of 6 to 10 inches, with lesser amounts on the South Coast and in New Hampshire.

The area could see 1 to 2 inches per hour during the duration of the storm, Monahan said. It is expected to start mid-afternoon and be over by about 10 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a heavy snow warning for a wide swath of Massachusetts from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday.

Depending on the track of the storm, snow totals out toward Springfield could reach 10 inches. Along the coastline and out to the Cape and Islands, totals may be kept down if the snow mixes in with some rain and sleet.

"I expect the heaviest snow south of Route 2," said Storm Team 5 meteorologist Dick Albert.

Another storm is on the way for the weekend, bringing a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain on Saturday night and Sunday. This storm has the potential to bring heavy snow or snow changing to heavy rain.

"Whether we receive heavy snow, a heavy mix or heavy rain, or all three, depends on the ultimate track of the storm as well as the specific location," said Albert.

The storm may bring strong winds to the coast and high seas to the marine community.

Astronomical tides are not that high on Sunday, so the potential for moderate coastal flooding looks low, but it will still need to be watched.