The region’s worst storm so far this winter is expected to bear down Thursday with up to 8 inches of snow, with near-blizzard conditions forecast to kick up as soon as the evening rush hour.

Officials are encouraging commuters to take public transportation and consider leaving work early, as heavy snow and strong winds are expected from Thursday night into Friday.

The storm also will bring with it the possibility of even more of a holiday break for students after the traditional Christmas-to-New Year stretch. Half of the 54 school districts in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam were scheduled to resume classes Thursday; some schools will dismiss students early on Thursday and Lakeland schools are closed. List:

http://lohud.com/schoolclosings

A winter storm warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Friday for northern Westchester, Putnam and Rockland, and from 6 p.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Friday for southern Westchester, the National Weather Service said Wednesday

Light snow started falling in parts of Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties before dawn on Thursday, and it could be followed by a few inches during the day. The bulk of the snow is expected Thursday night into Friday. Winds could be close to 30 miles per hour after midnight Thursday. Friday’s high will be near 13 degrees and blustery winds will make it feel like below zero.

The National Weather Service is calling for total accumulations of 6 to 8 inches in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam. Map: Projected snowfall totals:

http://1.usa.gov/1gKMOXe