All of Huntington County is under a Winter Storm Warning from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. This includes the towns of Huntington, Andrews, Roanoke, Warren, Markle, Mount Etna and Lancaster.

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana forecasted four to eight inches of snow. The greatest potential of heavy snow is along I-69. East-northeast wind at 10 to 25 miles per hour will cause some blowing snow in open areas. These conditions will make travelling difficult throughout the day on Wednesday.

The snow will start to taper off Wednesday night.

Be cautious if you have to travel during this time and pay attention to the Indiana Department of Transportation website for travel conditions.

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana advised that if you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The Huntington Sheriff’s Office agreed, posting the Winter Storm Warning on its Facebook page and people may go there for updates on travel and road conditions and added not just Huntington County is affected.

“Portions of northern Indiana, southwest Michigan and northwest Ohio,” the HCSO’s page stated. “The snow will spread rapidly north early Wednesday with rapid accumulations before noon.”

The Indiana State Police also agreed adding, “This weather system is expected to impact travel in the greater Fort Wayne region from 6 a.m. during the morning commute and continuing through the early afternoon hours into the evening commute.”

INSP suggests to only call 911 for emergencies, but for statewide and local road visit the 511IN.org website.

If you must travel plan for extra travel time to and from, driving in heavy wet snow requires reduced speeds, increased following distance, and most importantly – wear a seatbelt and ensure the kiddos are properly restrained as well.

INDOT snowplows will be out in full force keeping our highways clear. Please give them room to work.

If your vehicle breaks down, please make arrangements to have it towed immediately. Troopers will be towing abandoned vehicles that are hindering INDOT snow removal efforts.

If you become stranded on the roadside, have an emergency kit in your vehicle such as a charged cellphone, blankets, flashlight, road flares (to mark your location), water, snacks, etc.

If involved in a crash, it is best to stay belted inside your vehicle until help arrives. If the vehicle is drivable, moving off the traveled portion of the roadway or a parking lot is a good idea.

Reconsider travel plans to or from the Indianapolis area on Wednesday.

During any winter weather storm, staying home and off the roadways is always the best plan. If you must travel, as many of you will, use your best judgement, be prepared, give yourself plenty of time. Buckle up and drive safe.

According to Chris DeWeese, Senior Editorial Writer for the Weather Channel, the storm has a name and is called Kassandra.

“Winter Storm Kassandra is here, bringing snow, rain and severe weather with it. In Greek mythology, of course, Kassandra was a priestess fated to utter true prophecies but never to be believed. But trust us: This storm is real.”

Candyse Arivett is a Huntington County native who is studying weather and meteorology in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Ilene Haluska, The Herald-Press Managing Editor, contributed to this article.