The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches for parts of 8 New Jersey counties where the heaviest snow is expected Sunday.

A weekend storm swept through New Jersey on Sunday, leaving a blanket of snow behind. Thundersnow, when lighting and thunder happen in a snowstorm, was also reported near Essex County, according to the National Weather Service.

Wintry weather will really ramp up this afternoon, with the heaviest and most widespread snow expected around dinnertime (early evening).

Dangerously cold temperatures will grip New Jersey next week after a winter storm on Sunday brings widespread snow to the state.

Most of the tri-state was scheduled to be under a winter storm warning by the afternoon, when conditions pick up and heavy snow bands could drop as much as an inch of snow per hour. For some, it’ll be the most snow in nearly three years.

Winter storm warnings have been issued for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with the entire region bracing for snow.

Most of the tri-state was scheduled to be under a winter storm warning by the afternoon, when conditions pick up and heavy snow bands could drop as much as an inch of snow per hour. For some, it’ll be the most snow in nearly three years.