(Photo by Amber Phipps) Snow falls Wednesday as construction work is underway on the Marietta Levee Park project.

The National Weather Service is calling for a 40% chance of snow after 1 p.m. with a high of 16 degrees on Saturday and an 80% chance of snowfall Saturday night into Sunday.

There is expected to be a 60% chance of snow Sunday morning, as of Wednesday.

Meteorologist Joe Curtis said there is a winter storm mix expected Saturday through Sunday.

“It’ll most likely bring snow with sleet mixed in late Saturday,” said Curtis. “The snow fall amount hasn’t been determined yet but we have growing confidence it’ll be around six inches of snow.”

He said there is snowfall expected overnight Saturday and nearly all day Sunday.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Despite snow beginning to stick, pedestrians and drivers alike kept Parkersburg roads busy on Wednesday afternoon.

“It should wrap up by Monday,” he said.

With high chances of snowfall this weekend, there are precautionary measures that can be taken in the event of heavy snowfall.

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office urged the community to be mindful and aware of any weather warnings in their area over the weekend.

Inclement weather could result in hazardous road conditions with slippery roads and reduced visibility while driving.

“We know this is coming so prepare now and don’t wait until the last minute,” said Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”

During snowfall events, the sheriff’s office encouraged the residents in the area to limit travel unless absolutely necessary. Drivers should drive slowly and cautiously even if their vehicles are all-wheel drive.

The Wood County Sheriff’s office said vehicles should be “winter-ready” which means snow and ice has been cleared off of windows and mirrors as well as lights.

The office encouraged keeping emergency items like food, water, chargers, flashlights, and blankets in the car. Traction aids like cat litter or sand were encouraged to keep on hand in the event of a snow-related situation while traveling.

“Pay attention to the snow levels as they come out,” said Washington County Sheriff Mark Warden. “With the amount that’s expected just be safe and don’t go out on the roads unless you have to.”

Warden said residents should keep emergency items in their vehicles in the instance they are traveling during bad weather and have a situation.

“It’s winter time and weather like this is going to happen, we just need to be prepared for it,” he said.

Warden said in the case they go to a level three snow emergency, only personnel that absolutely have to go to work are authorized to be on the roads. He said if you absolutely need to travel or go to work, be as cautious as you possibly can while driving.

“The safety of our citizens is one of the main factors we consider when determining a level three snow emergency,” said Warden.

Rick Vehnam, a transportation administrator with the Ohio Department of Transportation, said crews are prepared for the incoming winter storm but warned motorists to expect slower road improvement due to extreme cold. Vehnam said ODOT currently has about 4,500 tons of salt on hand, along with roughly 30,000 gallons of liquid materials used in combination with salt, but noted that “salt is pretty ineffective when it gets down into the single digits and zero-type temperatures.” As a result, he said roads may remain snow-covered longer than drivers have become accustomed to this winter, adding that ODOT crews will be working around the clock to restore road conditions as quickly as possible.

For those who have to travel during bad snow weather, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office recommended drivers remain calm and avoid braking if the vehicle begins to skid. Gently steer the car in the direction of the skid and ease off of the accelerator.

For local weather updates this weekend visit https://www.facebook.com/wood.sheriff.3/ and https://www.washingtoncountysheriff.org/

A Belpre Police dispatcher said Drag Strip Road was closed after a single-vehicle accident around 5 p.m. No injuries were reported, but the road was closed due to slick conditions while road crews worked to clear it.

Staff reporter Gwen Sour contributed to this story.