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 1 a.m. Friday and could continue through Saturday across Lunenburg.

“We usually follow the NWS for our weather forecasts,” said County Administrator Tracy Gee.

“Right now, they’re calling for a mix of rain to snow. And, so, until that changes over into strictly frozen participation or shows some considerable overnight lows that might … contribute to an icy situation, I’m trying to not get into a panic and make anybody else worry about it yet,” she said.

She said the county would have a better understanding of the weather on Wednesday afternoon.

“A complex storm system will affect the region from late Thursday night through Saturday,” the NWS said in a statement on its website. “Uncertainty remains high regarding the track of the system, but the potential exists for significant winter impacts from this storm.”

Lows are predicted to dip to 27 degrees Thursday night, and highs will be in the upper 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 for winter storms, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management encourages filling up gas tanks of vehicles, thoroughly 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.