Road crews across the state are preparing for New Jersey’s first snowfall of the season.

State meteorologist predict that parts of New Jersey could see up to 5 inches of snow Thursday afternoon and evening. The snow is expected to create a mess for the Thursday evening commute.

“We always try to figure out the worst-case scenario so we are ahead of the game,” says Woodbridge Department of Public Works Deputy Director Kevin Teehan.

The Woodbridge DPW crews were out hooking up the plows to trucks and getting ready to prepare the roadways in the area for potential icy conditions.

“Today we are brining our snow emergency streets. Then once we get them done, we’ll progress to our primary and secondary roads,” Teehan says. “Brine is a saltwater solution. It’s an anti-icing [agent].”

Drivers are urged to use caution while out and about Thursday evening. They should obey speed limit laws and give themselves ample time to stop in case conditions become slippery.

Northern parts of New Jersey are expected to see the worst of the snowstorm. Parts of the coast should only see freezing rain and possibly sleet.

Meteorologists say that the snow should start by Thursday afternoon and last until the nighttime hours.

The weather should clear up by Friday.