The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for much of the state Saturday in preparation for an early-season winter storm that could dump as much as five inches to parts of Massachusetts . 

The advisory will go into effect as of 6 p.m. Saturday and remain in effect until 8 a.m. Sunday, and has been issued for portions of Middlesex County, including Winchester. 

"Wet snow and strong wind gusts will bring the potential for tree damage and scattered power outages," the NWS reported Saturday. "Untreated roadways may become snow covered and slippery." 

Rain will cover the region from southwest to northeast Saturday afternoon, and precipitation will gradually change over to heavy wet snow as colder air works into the area, according to the NWS.

Below are a number of storm safety tips and contact information to keep handy before and during the storm:

• To report a power outage call 800-592-2000. NStar offers suggestions and tips of what to do in case your power is interrupted.
• Be careful never to leave open flames unattended.
• Turn off major appliances and electronics during any power outages to guard against damage when the power comes back on.
• Leave one light switched on as a signal for when the power is restored.
• Surge protectors can protect sensitive equipment during an outage and when power is restored.
• In an emergency, dial 911.
• Winchester Police Department: 781-729-1214.
• The Winchester Fire Department: 781-729-1802
• NSTAR: 800-592-2000
• Public Works: 781-721-7100
• Comcast:(800) COMCAST [1-800-266-2278]
• RCN: 800.746.4726
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)
• For more information on snow removal in the town of Winchester, click here.