Schools will be closed in Bristol Warren Tuesday as a major winter storm bears down on the region.

Superintendent Mario Andrade announced the closing early Monday evening. All afterschool activities are cancelled, as well.

The storm is expected to begin with light snow around 5 a.m. Tuesday, quickly increasing in intensity throughout the morning. Blizzard conditions are possible by late morning as heavy snow combines with strong winds to create possible white-out conditions. Sustained winds of 18-28 mph are likely, with gusts approaching 50 mph.

An updated forecast indicates the storm has moved slightly west, which is good new for snowfall totals  across Rhode Island. Most of the state, including Bristol County, is now expected to see 8-12 inches, according to forecasters with turnto10.com, as rain is forecast to mix in with the afternoon snow, keeping the snowfall totals down.

Check back with eastbayri.com for more updates on the storm as they become available.