Commuters driving home this weekend may have difficulty navigating DeKalb’s roadways as a snow storm could dump up to 6 inches.

“The worst of the weather will get here by 12 a.m. Saturday,” NIU staff meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste said. “There could be six or more inches of snow accumulation by Saturday morning.”

A winter storm watch is in effect through Saturday morning. Wind gusts will reach 30 to 40 miles per hour, Sebenste said. Temperatures will remain in the upper 20s until the storm system passes. Sebenste said he predicts temperatures will drop to about 0 degrees by Saturday night.

Around the NIU campus and DeKalb area, preparations are already being made using last week’s similar-sized dusting for comparison.

The NIU grounds department employed some of its snow-plows Thursday afternoon.

“We’re not worried about the amount of snow we’re going to get,” said Darryl Grayson, interim superintendent of grounds.

Overall, the best advice for students is to stay out of the weather if possible.

“The earlier students can get home, the better,” Sebenste said. “If you are out early Saturday morning, you could be walking into a blizzard.”

Traffic conditions are already expected to be poor, with the likelihood for accidents increasing with bad judgment.

“Invariably, when people crash their cars in winter, it’s because they are going too fast,” DeKalb Police Lt. Jim Kayes said.

Those wishing to check winter road conditions can visit www.dot.state.il.us for the most up-to-date information.