While the current winter has been relatively mild for most Massachusetts residents, the National Weather Service is warning of an abrupt end to the snowless winter this weekend.

2024’s first winter storm is expected to dump as much as a foot of snow in portions of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut from 4 p.m. Saturday through the rest of the weekend, the National Weather Service announced Friday.

In Essex County, the National Weather Service suggests that anyone who must travel carry an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency, as wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour are expected for the weekend.

“A significant winter storm will impact the region Saturday night into Sunday, with heavy wet snow likely for much of the region. Dry weather Monday and likely lingers into most of Tuesday. Then a return of active weather Tuesday night into Wednesday, with the potential for a period of strong winds, heavy rain, and some river and stream flooding,” the National Weather Service reported.