A winter storm warning will remain in place from noon Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday for the Puget Sound area, according to the National Weather Service’s office in Seattle.

Much of western Washington is expecting heavy snow.

School across Kitsap County will close early, including on Bainbridge Island, where classes will end two hours early Friday. All afternoon and evening activities have also been canceled.

The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snowfall for the region.

Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are expected, as well as local snowfall accumulations of 8 inches.

Forecasters note that north to northeast winds will increase late Friday and Saturday to 15 to 30 mph with some local gusts to 45 mph. The wind will likely reduce visibility at times due to blowing snow, especially near shorelines of the inland waters.

The storm is expected to hit portions of northwest and west central Washington, including Bainbridge Island, Seattle, Bremerton, Everett, Tacoma and beyond.

Snow is expected from noon Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday. The heaviest snowfall accumulations for most of the area will occur between 3 to 10 p.m. Friday.

A period of 2 inch per hour snowfall accumulations is likely during Friday’s late afternoon and evening commute in the Seattle, Bremerton, Tacoma and Everett area.

Officials said travel is likely to become very difficult and areas of blowing snow could contribute to reduced visibility late tonight into Saturday.