Southside Virginia is bracing for what could be a big winter storm on Friday and Saturday — one that the National Weather Service (NWS) says could produce lots of snow.

According to the NWS, snow is forecasted to begin falling after 3 a.m. Friday and could continue through Saturday across Charlotte County.

“There is an increasing potential for a winter storm Thursday night into Saturday, which could produce significant impacts to travel,” the NWS website stated. “Moderate to heavy snow accumulations are possible.”

“We’re just waiting to see what’s actually going to happen,” said County Administrator R.B. Clark when asked what preparations the county had made for the anticipated snow event. “We’re getting conflicting reports as to what the precipitation will actually be. I think it’s going to be sleet and snow.”

The county has not made any plans yet, Clark said. “We’ll probably talk about it [Wednesday].”

Lows are predicted to dip to 26 degrees Thursday night, and highs will be in the mid 30s, according to the NWS.

“All of the midday weather models still show huge snowstorm likely for most of the middle Atlantic region that begins on Friday and continues Friday night into most of Saturday,” said independent forecaster Dave Tolleris of Wxrisk.com.

“The various weather models are producing massive amounts of snow for many areas of the middle Atlantic region. …”

In preparation winter storms, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management encourages filling up gas tanks of vehicles, thoroughly checking and updating your family’s emergency supply kit, storing wood if using a fireplace or wood stove, and keeping pets inside.

“During a snow emergency, stay off the roads to allow emergency crews uninterrupted access to treat the roads, and if you must travel, allow extra time,” the National Weather Service website stated.