The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch starting Wednesday, and blizzard-like conditions are becoming increasingly likely.

Snow is expected to begin sometime Wednesday evening, and travel conditions are expected to deteriorate from there. Wind gusts up to 50 MPH are becoming more likely to occur both Thursday and Friday, and wind chills are expected to dip to between 25 and 40 below zero until Christmas morning. Initial National Weather Service forecasts indicate three-to-six inches of snow are likely to fall; any amount will cause major travel issues Thursday and Friday.

Those planning to drive may encounter unusually 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.