By Megan Shaw and Kelly Mae Ross
Rockbridge area residents are preparing for what could be the first big snow storm of the season.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Rockbridge County and surrounding areas. Snowfall began at 1 p.m. and the winter storm warning will remain in effect until 1 a.m. on Friday.
According to the warning, five to nine inches of snow could accumulate. Higher elevations could receive up to a foot of snow. Temperatures are expected to stay in the upper 20s and lower 30s, with winds gusting to 35 mph.
The National Weather Service predicts heavy, wet snow, which could make for hazardous driving conditions and possible power outages.