While residents of Blount County and the far northern parts of Jefferson County have dealt with snow, ice and slush for most of the afternoon, folks in Gardendale, Fultondale, Pinson and adjacent areas endured nothing but cold rain.

That’s changing, and changing quickly.

The rain finally changed over to snow around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, already turning grassy areas and vehicles white with snow. And forecasters still believe the area could see at least three inches of snow before it ends late tonight.

But to the north, Hayden had already recorded six inches of snow as of 5 p.m., and Locust Fork had four inches. That’s why Blount County Schools have already cancelled classes for Thursday, while Jefferson County Schools have so far opted for their standard two-hour delay in staring times instead — “subject to change if needed,” spokeswoman Nez Calhoun said.

Some power outages are being reported in Pinson. More may be coming throughout the area as trees crack under the weight of wet snow or coatings of ice.

Authorities are still advising everyone to stay off roads all night, especially as temperatures fall below freezing and wet roads turn icy.