The National Weather Service’s latest forecast is expecting upwards of an inch of ice to accumulate this weekend, with the freezing rain beginning as early as Friday afternoon

Douglas County and much of the surrounding area will be in an ice storm warning from noon Friday to midnight on Sunday, according to an advisory issued by the Topeka office of the National Weather Service.

The forecast predicts periods of light freezing rain and freezing drizzle may develop as early as Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday afternoon. Heavier accumulations of freezing rain are expected Saturday night and Sunday. Thawing is expected to begin Sunday afternoon.

Freezing rain or freezing drizzle through Sun Eve. Ice accum around half inch or higher. Stay safe. #kswx pic.twitter.com/2sjBcHeL5w — NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) January 13, 2017

The National Weather Service and other organizations are urging motorists to avoid travel, if possible this weekend. Motorists are reminded that if they must travel during the storm to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency.

People also are urged to prepare for power disruptions at their homes. The Weather Service said ice accumulations likely will be heavy enough to break tree limbs and snap power lines. People needing to make preparations likely should try to do so before Friday afternoon.

Here are some Winter Weather Safety Tips for at Home. Good ideas to keep in mind with this storm or any winter storm. #kswx pic.twitter.com/uCc4qrsiDK — NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) January 13, 2017

Although roads were clear on Friday morning, several area school districts cancelled classes out of fear that the ice storm would hit during the day, making travel home for students and staff difficult. Most school districts have cancelled sporting events and other extracurricular activities this weekend. See a list of closings here.

Jennifer Prieto of the National Weather Service in Topeka said the chances for freezing precipitation increase after Friday.

“There will be a heavier accumulation of ice beginning on Saturday and definitely into Saturday evening,” she said. “It definitely looks like at least a half an inch, but I would not be surprised to see three-quarters or an inch of ice.”

“It can cause power outages, tree damage and we’ll definitely be seeing hazardous roads,” she added. “As much as the KDOT folks will be out there trying to melt the ice, it’s worse than snow. It just takes a little patch of ice for you to lose control.”

The inclement weather may well continue all the way through Sunday, Prieto said. Though Sunday afternoon the temperature may start to rise and the freezing rain will stop.

“If we are able to get above freezing, then all the precipitation will just be rain,” she said. “But all the precipitation won’t be clearing the area until Monday.”