The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch this Thursday and Friday, and blizzard-like conditions are possible.

Light to moderate snow is expected to begin sometime Wednesday evening, and travel conditions are expected to deteriorate from there. Wind gusts up to 45 MPH are becoming more likely to occur both Thursday and Friday, and wind chills are expected to dip to between 20 and 35 below zero until Christmas morning. While snowfall totals will be hard to pin down, any amount of snow will cause travel issues ahead of Christmas, especially if heavier amounts fall.

Those planning to drive Wednesday evening through Saturday morning may encounter dangerous conditions. Anyone on the road later this week should have an emergency kit prepared and should take extreme caution, especially Thursday and Friday as blowing snow may cause drifts and visibility issues.