With a monster of a storm setting its sights on the Northeast this weekend that could dump a mixed bag of precipitation, Carbon County officials want everyone to be safe.

On Thursday, Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein urged everyone to get prepared now.

“It depends on which way this storm goes,” he said, noting that forecasts are still all over the place, but one thing is for certain — we’re going to get something.

“If we do get the high winds, heavy snow, ice, I fear big time this time that ... should that occur, we may be in for some major power outages and trees down, wires down, no electricity, no heat,” he said. “I strongly recommend you be prepared for the worst-case scenario.”

Right now, a winter storm watch remains in effect for the area from 1 p.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service, it may be heavy mixed precipitation, including snow totals up to 11 inches with up to one-tenth of an inch of ice possible.

“This could be a major issue,” Nothstein said.

He pointed out that a cold front is chasing the storm and temperatures are expected to plummet Sunday to 0 with wind chills making conditions even worse.

“I strongly caution everyone to be safe,” he said. “It doesn’t take long for hypothermia if you are out in the cold and get wet.”

In the case of power outages, residents should check on their neighbors, especially if they are elderly.

But overall, Nothstein said preparation and smart decisions are key.

“If the weather is as bad as they say it’s going to be stay home.”