January has been downright balmy so far - at least by New England standards - but don't put those shovels away just yet.

Forecasters are predicting a winter storm will hit the Attleboro area around midnight tonight, and it could drop as much as a foot of the snow on much of New England, including this region.

The storm would be "a quick-hitting, but potent nor'easter," AccuWeather said in an advisory issued late Saturday night.

The forecasting service also warned the snow may accumulate at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, and howling winds will blow and drift the snow, creating perilous driving conditions.

Unlike the mid-December snowstorm that caught many officials flatfooted, tonight's storm is expected to be well under way by morning. The storm is predicted to continue throughout the day on Monday, affecting both the morning and evening commutes. Six to 12 inches of snow is expected to fall before the storm winds down Monday night, AccuWeather said. Forecasters say a lot of moisture is associated with the storm, and that means it will bring heavy, "plowable snow," according to the National Weather Service.

Today is predicted to be partly sunny with a high of 44, though clouds will gather in the afternoon.