Wintry mix predicted this weekend

POLK COUNTY—A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service covering portions of Polk County.

The Watch is in effect from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, as freezing rain and icy conditions are being predicted.

Heavy mixed precipitation with ice accumulations of one tenth to three tenths of an inch are possible. The advisory is for eastern Polk County, as well as Transylvania and greater Rutherford counties. The mountainous areas of Polk are also included in a seperate winter weather advisory.

Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible, the advisory states.

Drivers should stay off the road if possible, and use extra caution if they must be out and about. By late Saturday morning, things should begin to clear up.

A cold, steady rain is expected throughout the mountains and foothills on Saturday morning, with temperatures in the low 30s.