Officials around Floyd County are gearing up for the possibility of snow this afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from noon to midnight today.

According to the NWS, rain and snow will be likely after 1 p.m. today with a 70-percent chance of precipitation. The high today is expected around 36 degrees and snow accumulation of less than 1 inch is possible. The overnight low is expected to fall into the lower 20s. The snow threat is possible until 1 a.m. Friday.

Michael Skeen, Floyd County’s Public Works director, and Jamie McCord, Rome’s Public Works director, said both their departments are ready with salt and sand trucks, if needed.

“We’ll salt down the overpasses and bridge first, because they are the first to freeze,” Skeen said. He said there is no way the county can prepare all its roads for a freeze, but they can work on the most dangerous spots, including Mount Alto.

Rome-Floyd EMA Director Scotty Hancock added that a major concern will be Friday morning, when temperatures will remain below freezing.

McCord said the city is well prepared for the snow, getting trucks ready.

“We have a full supply of salt, calcium and gravel in place,” McCord said.

He said bridges and overpasses on state routes will be the first to get salted down, followed by bridges on city roads and then major thoroughfares and minor streets will be cleared.

“But people need to remember that it all falls at one time on the entire city, and we can’t be everywhere at the same time.”

Cave Spring City Clerk Judy Dickinson said officials there are preparing for other potential hazards with the cold weather.

“We’re already loading up sand for the bridges and roads,  and we will have men on call through the night,” she said.

Mayor Rob Ware also noted that city fire, police and other vehicles are all equipped with snow chains.

Click here for Thursday's updated forecast and any school closings

Local emergency officials met with the National Weather Service Wednesday to discuss the expected snow and will attend another briefing today.

Scotty Hancock, local Emergency Management Agency director, advised residents to be prepared for the possibility of winter weather. The county advised the following precautions :

1. Keep your radio or television tuned to a local station to keep informed of current weather conditions and forecasts.

2. Be prepared at home by keeping adequate supplies: heating fuel, non-perishable food, clean water, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid supplies, extra blankets, and a battery powered radio. A fire extinguisher is also recommended for year-round use, if needed, in your home.

3. Keep some kind of emergency heating equipment and fuel on hand so you can keep at least one room of your house livable in case your power is off. Keep the room ventilated to avoid buildup of toxic fumes.

4. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outdoors, dress warm in loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Your outer garment should be water repellent. Avoid overexertion from walking to get supplies.

5. Driving conditions might be hazardous, so use precaution while driving.