(UNDATED) – The first big dose of winter weather could be coming our way over the next couple of days.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for St. Joseph and Cass Counties in Michigan along with LaGrange and Elkhart Counties in Indiana from 5 PM Wednedsay until 1 AM Friday.

Heavy lake effect snow is expected with total snow accumulations of between 5 and 8 inches with winds gusting as high as 50 MPH. Travel could be very difficult, with the weather conditions possibly impacting the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.

In addition, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Branch County, Michigan along with Steuben, Noble and DeKalb Counties in Indiana from 5 PM Wednesday until 1 AM Friday. Total snow accumulations for this portion of the listening area is projected at 3 to 5 inches with winds up to 45 MPH.

Please slow down and use caution while traveling. It’s a good idea to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.