Friday started out clear and sunny but by the afternoon hours, clouds were rolling in and people were heading to the supermarkets to stock up on food and supplies, in preparations for what could be the first major winter storm of the season.

The National Weather Services out of both Jackson, K.Y. and Morristown, Tenn. issued a heavy snow warning Friday afternoon for the tri-state area, with a predicted snowfall accumulation of five to nine inches of snow by Sunday.

Many area road crews were already making preparations for the wintery weather.

At the Middlesboro street department, it was no exception as crews positioned salt, cleaned scrapers, and geared up trucks to take to the streets as soon as the snow begins to fall.

“We have about fifty tons of salt ready to go and crews ready for both road work and debris work in case the snow downs any trees and power lines,” said Street Department Manager Leeman Moyers.

Moyers said the department will actually use 22 tons of salt for one snow fall. He said his crews will be working hard throughout the weekend to keep the roads clear. If the heavy snow falls like predicted, power lines and trees can break under the weight of the snow. Moyers said if that happens, he has a separate crew to work those jobs while the road crews do theirs.

“We won't have to stop one operation to do another,” he said. “We are ready to go.”

And traveling is just what the National Weather Service is recommending you not do this weekend unless you absolutely have to. Driving conditions later today are expected to become hazardous.

To stay safe in winter storms, local agencies recommend you keep flashlights, batteries, and a battery powered radio handy. The primary concerns with winter weather is the loss of heat, power, and telephone services.

It is advised you have an alternate source of heat for at least one room in your home that does not require electricity. Making sure the heating source is properly installed and vented, so a fire does not break out.

Having extra medicine, baby items, first aid supplies, and high energy food - such as dried fruit, nuts, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is recommended. It is also a good idea to make sure at least one gallon of drinking water per person for at least three days is available.

If you must be outdoors, it is important to dress for the season - wearing loose, lightweight, warm cloths in layers. Remove layers as necessary to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. If no hood, it is recommended to wear a hat. Half of the body heat is lost through the head.

Avoiding exertion is important. It is easy to get over exerted while shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Doctors say strain from the cold and hard labor may cause a heart attack. It is recommended you work in short burst with frequent rest breaks. Covering your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold is vital, as well as staying dry.

Sweating can lead to a chill and hypothermia. If you must travel in winter weather, make sure your vehicle is prepared with safety equipment, such as a sack of sand or cat litter for traction, rope or tow strap, and a battery booster.

Emergency car kits are recommenced for those who must travel. This kit needs to include a blanket or sleeping bag, a flashlight with extra batteries, high calorie non perishable food, a large empty can with a lid to use as an emergency toilet, a small can and water proof matches to melt snow to use as drinking water. A candle, first aid kit, and a cell phone with a charger should also be included.

Lastly, local officials recommend you make sure someone knows your timetable, your primary and alternate route, and that you keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the fuel lines.