UPDATE: Blizzard Watch Issued

5 p.m. UPDATE The National Weather Service canceled the Winter Storm Watch and issued a Blizzard Watch for Attleboro as well as much of Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island that will be in effect from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon.

Up to two feet of snow is expected in what the National Weather Service is calling "a potential historic winter storm and blizzard."

"A Blizzard Watch means there is a potential for considerable falling and/or blowing snow with sustained winds or frequent gusts over 35 mph and visibilities below 1/4 mile for at least three hours," the National Weather Service's website states. "White-out conditions will be possible, making travel very dangerous. Be prepared to alter any travel plans."

Light snow is expected to develop Friday morning, and intensity will increase in the afternoon. A northeast wind could reach 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph.

"The worst of the storm will be Friday night into Saturday morning," the NWS' website states. "Snowfall rates of two to three inches per hour possible. Travel may become nearly impossible with blowing and drifting snow."

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Attleboro and the rest of the region could be receiving a major snowfall Friday, and it could continue into Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island that will be in effect from late Thursday night through Saturday morning. Other areas of New England are also expected be affected.

"A major winter storm will bring the potential for a foot or more of snow across much of the region Friday into early Saturday and travel may become nearly impossible," the NWS' website states.

The website states there is a "very high confidence" that more than six inches of snow will accumulate. There is a potential for a foot or more. Strong wind gusts could create "near blizzard conditions."

"Light snow [will develop] by Friday morning," the website states. "Snow will increase intensity during Friday afternoon. There may be a brief change over to rain ... the rain should switch back to heavy snow by Friday night before tapering off Saturday morning."