The Twin Counties have a good chance of seeing a White Christmas this year, according to the National Weather Service.

There’s a “chance, a good chance” for a mix of rain and snow on Christmas Day, starting as early as noon, said Ron Humble, a meteorologist in Raleigh.

“It’ll be something pretty to look at,” he said. “Then there’s a possibility for just plain snow later on in the day. At this time, we’re looking at the 1 to 3 inch range, starting after dark Saturday night and tapering off Sunday.”

Few travel problems were expected on major thoroughfares, but secondary roads could have problems with black ice depending on how a developing weather system in the Gulf of Mexico unfolds, Humble said.

“That system could have an impact,” Humble said, adding that system would influence Sunday’s forecast and how long any snow that falls will remain. “If we get heavy enough rain, that might drop temperatures. Right now we’re uncertain on the weather system’s path and strength.”

Temperatures are expected to remain below 40 degrees all weekend long. Lows should be around 20 degrees.