Somebody thinks there is a blizzard coming.

Winter storm, blizzard warnings for Delaware up to 24 inches of snow possible

A major winter storm developing over the Gulf of Mexico has the potential to dump enough snow to paralyze parts of the mid-Atlantic region this weekend -- including Delaware, forecasters say, with up to 24 inches possible in parts of the state.

A winter storm warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday for New Castle County, the National Weather Service says. The service predicts 12 to 18 inches of snow upstate.

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A blizzard warning is in effect in the same time frame for Kent and Sussex counties, where up to 24 inches of snow may accumulate combined with stiff winds that may produce whiteout conditions.

Sussex County emergency officials also warned there is a potential for coastal tidal flooding and residents should prepare by securing loose items.

The temperature tonight will drop to about 25, rising to the mid-30s on Friday. Precipitation may begin in the afternoon as rain or a mix of rain and snow, or a mix of snow and sleet, with little accumulation until it turns to all snow after 7 p.m.

Winds are expected to pick up around 1 a.m. Saturday. Gusts are expected to reach about 36 mph upstate on Saturday and 45 mph downstate during the day.

The temperature will drop to the upper 20s on Friday night and stay there through Saturday night, when it will drop into the mid-teens.

The Delaware Department of Transportation said this afternoon that crews will be out today and Friday pre-treating the roads in advance of the storm. These crews will be moving slowly and DelDOT asks motorists to allow plenty of distance around the vehicles.