Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY  NOW) – A winter storm is coming.  And, while it won’t be as bad as some areas of the U.S., it will be bad enough.

While the Springfield area likely won’t get the ice that is forecast for areas south of Illinois, National Weather Service Lead Meteorologist Daryl Onton in Lincoln says we most likely will get snow.

“The first round [of snow] begins Saturday morning, and ends about mid-evening.  We should see a lull with little to no accumulation for much of the overnight period Saturday night.  Round two is going to begin mid-morning Sunday, and end during the evening on Sunday.”

Onton says the Sunday round will likely be the one that causes most of a potential total accumulation of more than four inches.  He says it’s still too soon to tell, but it’s likely snow totals will be more than that in parts of the area.  Some areas, Onton says, could receive eight inches.

A Cold Weather Advisory starts at 3am Friday and expires Saturday at noon, then a Winter Storm Watch takes hold the rest of the weekend, but below-zero wind chills remain possible.  Blowing snow is expected Sunday night into Monday morning, for the start of the work week.

The cold alone has caused a number of schools to cancel classes Friday, with more expected.  District 186, however, is having an e-learning day, and the city basketball tournament will continue during the weekend.

In the meantime, at least for the snow and for some of the cold, Onton says you still have time to prepare.

“Start to think about getting emergency supplies for home and car, checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replenishing fuel for your car and home heat source,” said Onton.  “The day before (a snowfall) is sort of a tactical time period.  Make sure you adjust your plans as needed to stay safe.  Have multiple ways to receive warnings.  Bring pets indoors, and make sure they have water and things like that.”

Stay tuned to Newstalk 93.9 & AM 1240 WTAX for the latest weather information from our news partners at WAND-TV.  CLICK HERE for more winter weather and cold-related information.