DeKALB | It seems Old Man Winter may make a visit to the area.

NIU staff meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste predicted a dangerous snowstorm to occur this morning starting around 5 a.m. Accumulation is expected to range anywhere from eight to 12 inches and may even reach 18 inches before the end of the weekend.

“It’s going to be very, very bad,” Sebenste said.

Sebenste said meteorologists make their weather predictions in a variety of ways. Some of these tactics include the use of weather balloons, weather stations, satellites and radars.

The foreseen storm will possibly involve “thundersnow,” a natural phenomenon that involves lighting and thunder, accompanied by snow.

If the storm does reach that level of urgency, Sebenste recommends stocking up on food and water. Additionally, he recommends taking caution while driving, because roads are expected to be hazardous.

As of press time, the severity of the storm was not dangerous enough to cancel classes and a decision had not been made to close the university.

“Historically, we hardly ever close [school],” President John Peters said.

Peters said there are factors that help determine whether the university will be closed for the day. These include the severity of the storm, whether the Huskie Bus Line can run and whether parking lots are able to be used.

Regardless, Peters insisted there is a very slim chance the university will close down.

“In my 10 years, we’ve only closed once,” he said.

Peters said faculty members will make their own judgements concerning the cancellation of classes.

The president recommends checking the school’s Web site, www.niu.edu, for information about the status of school closure.

“It all depends of the weather conditions,” Peters said.