(MSC News)--An ice storm is expected this weekend.

That word comes from the National Weather Service, which issues an ice storm warning for the local area.

Going into effect Friday, the warning is expected to remain in place through Sunday night.

Included in the warning are the Kansas counties of Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Leavenworth, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, Nemaha, and Pottawatomie.

In Missouri, local counties included are Platte and Buchanan.

The local Nebraska counties of Nemaha, Pawnee, and Richardson, are placed under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday evening through late Monday night.

The National Weather Service says periods of significant icing is likely across the area this weekend, starting Friday afternoon and continuing through Sunday evening.
The most significant icing is expected Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Precipitation will gradually change over to rain from south to north Sunday afternoon and evening.

Major impacts to travel are likely as ice accumulates on area roadways.

Ice accumulation on trees and powerlines may result in scattered power outages.
Westar energy is working to prepare for that possibility.

According to a statement released by the state's largest electricity provider, Westar crews are ready to make the needed repairs, but neighboring utilities are asked to be ready to help if needed.

Westar encourages customers to download a free mobile app that provides access to outage reporting, and allows enrollment to receive text updates that provide notification of power outages.

The MyWestar app is available in both the Android and Apple app stores.