The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning predicting five to eight inches of snow in the St. Louis region this weekend, with snow expected to fall from Friday afternoon through midnight Saturday.

Heavy snow is expected to fall, with total accumulations up to eight inches with possible amounts higher locally, the weather service said.

The warning starts at noon Friday and runs through Saturday.

Some sleet could come down in central and southeast Missouri Friday afternoon and evening.

Travel could be “very difficult” under the expected conditions, and “hazardous conditions” could impact the evening commute, the NWS said.

Lindbergh Schools officials will meet at 9 a.m. Friday to decide what to do about the storm, Executive Director of Planning and Development Karl Guyer said Thursday.

Travelers are urged to start with a full tank of gas and carry a winter storm kit that includes a shovel, flashlight, cell phone, food, water, blankets and extra clothing. Call 1-888-275-6636 for road information.

Affected areas include St. Louis County, St. Louis city and the following counties: Jefferson, St. Charles, Franklin, Lincoln, Pike, Warren, Moniteau, Gasconade, Cole, Audrain, Callaway, Ste. Genevieve, Washington, Osage, Crawford, Iron, Boone, Montgomery, Monroe, Reynolds, St. Francois, Madison and Ralls.