Liberty County Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Hodges said the watch was issued this morning to begin at noon and run through 6 Saturday morning.

"As they say in our business, confidence is high," that there will be snow and that it could accumulate, he said.

The biggest worry, he said, is that if it starts to sleet and snow it will be this evening into tonight, when temperatures will be below freezing and roads could get slick.

"It will get the opportunity to freeze," Hodges said. "It could present us with more problems than we really thought earlier."

The storm developed earlier this week and is now dragging moisture out of the Gulf of Mexico as it moves into our area. Rain started Friday morning and will get heavier through the day. It is expected to transition into sleet and then snow as temperatures cool.

Hodges' advice is to not go out tonight.

"If you don't have an absolute need to be out tonight, then don't," he said. "Stay home, stay close."

As far as preparations, Hodges said he was talking with city and county officials, assuring they have sand on hand to spread on icy spots that develop on roads, especially bridges.

According to the National Weather Service a winter storm warning means a significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring, imminent or likely, and is a threat to life and property.

Forecasts say 1 to 3 inches of snow could accumulate by the time things clear and warm up Saturday morning.

The last time any snow accumulated in Liberty County was in December 1989.