Editor's note--the following was submitted by Brown Co Sheriff John Merchant

I would like to alert  the public of the potential  severe winter weather we have forecasted for this weekend.

A strong winter storm front  is fast approaching and snow should start to develop around midnight or soon after. According to several weather forecasts for our area,  temperatures are supposed to be in the single digits most of the weekend with windchills as cold as 20 below zero.  Depending on which model you look at, snowfall predictions are estimated between  3-5 inches and as much 10 inches depending on how the storm tracks.   As it looks now, the worst part of this storm is tracking south of our area. Regardless, it appears that snow could be significant, coupled with at least  the next 3-4 days with below freezing temperatures and some nighttime temperatures reaching below zero.
I ask that you make sure to have ample  food, milk,  medications, diapers, formula, warm clothing, blankets  etc in case the worst part of this storm comes to pass.  If we receive the higher amount of snow,  roads could become  be impassible  as wind speeds are predicted to be 25 MPH or better which could block roads, depending on the amount of snow received.   Please make plans now just in case.
Also, make sure to look in on your elderly, handicapped or disabled friends and neighbors and make adequate  provisions for any pets or livestock.
If you plan on traveling over the weekend, make sure to check the weather forecast as this storm is predicted to be widespread, affecting many states I would also like to remind the public that in the event that families or residents  get displaced due to power outage or other storm related issues from their homes,  the basement of the jail may be used as a storm shelter.

I do ask that should the storm develop causing  roads to become  hazardous,PLEASE- only travel when necessary.  Many times we have had to rescue people who had no business being out but did so anyway.  By doing this, you put not only your life in danger, but the lives of the deputies and emergency personnel as well.  So when roads get bad, stay home!  Listen to local media to stay informed of the latest updates.