BOSTON -- The winter storm moved into the region Tuesday afternoon, bringing snow to many towns, but forecasters were lowering their predictions for the total amount that was expected to fall. . StormTeam 5's J.C. Monahan said a winter storm warning is in effect from Boston and areas south of the Massachusetts Turnpike, including all of Middlesex County. A winter weather advisory is in effect north of the Massachusetts Turnpike.

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The snow will become steadier and heavier in the afternoon and evening. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times are possible, especially south of Boston, during the afternoon and evening.

About 4 to 8 inches were expected to fall in the greater Boston area. Some communities in southeastern Massachusetts may receive up to one foot of snow. Points north and west of the city were expected to see the least -- with 3 to 6 inches expected in Fitchburg and Lawrence.

The evening commute will definitely be impacted by a combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds. Snow will slowly taper off overnight into very early Thursday morning.

Winds will steadily increase, reaching 20 to 40 mph in Boston by evening and 25 to 55 mph on Cape Cod and the Islands, where a high-wind warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday through 7 a.m. Thursday. Some gusts could be as high as 60 mph.

Heavy, wet snow combined with the strongest winds could lead to some power outages and downed trees and branches.

Snowfall will be a little less over the Cape and the Islands, as some rain may mix with the snow. High temperatures will range from the upper 20s over southwest New Hampshire to the mid-30s over the Cape.

Skies will become partly sunny on Thursday with highs in the 30s. The last day of the workweek will feature dry weather with partly sunny skies and highs in the upper 20s to mid-30s.

When the storm hits, upload your photos to our u Local section. The photos below are from earlier winter storms.