OHIO — An active weather pattern is set to bring the first snow of the season to Ohio this week, along with gusty winds and colder temperatures, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington.

Dense fog is expected to create hazardous driving conditions during the Wednesday morning commute.

By the afternoon, a cold front will move through the state, bringing wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.

Snow showers are forecast to begin early Thursday morning, particularly in the Columbus area, with the heaviest snowfall likely between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The chance of snow will linger until at least 1 p.m. before returning Thursday night.

Although pavement temperatures are expected to be warm enough to melt snow on contact, minor accumulations on grassy and elevated surfaces are possible.

The GFS Weather Model is showing a good inch to a few inches across Ohio with central and southern Ohio seeing the most.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has advised drivers to exercise caution on bridges and overpasses, where conditions may deteriorate more quickly.

The snow is part of an elevation snowstorm predicted to impact the eastern United States, AccuWeather reports.

Residents are urged to secure outdoor decorations and prepare winter gear as the season’s first taste of snow arrives.