FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The first big winter storm of 2019, poised to drop anywhere from 3 to 10 inches of snow across the area, started early this morning.

The City of Fort Wayne reported they ordered 4,000 tons of salt as road crews spent Friday pre-treating surfaces and prepared for what was described as a “worst case” scenario.

In addition, around 1,600 snow plow trucks and 3,000 drivers are ready to do battle with Mother Nature in Ohio this weekend, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The National Weather Service’s prediction for the Fort Wayne area suggested 3 to 6 inches of accumulation, but also warned of wind gusts approaching 35 miles per hour, with wind chills reaching below zero in the overnight hours. Blowing and drifting snow will be an issue and may cause hazardous travel conditions.

Accumulations will be higher for communities south of Allen County.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 4am for the area.