MIDCOAST — The weather folks have been delighted to tell us that the heaviest snow from the next storm will fall in the Midcoast, so we will take their predictions to heart and prepare: Shovels, gloves, firewood stacked nearby, feed the birds and fill the water jugs, just in case....

A winter storm warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Dec. 23 to 1 p.m., Dec. 24, with a fast-moving but robust system on the approach. Total snow accumulations are to be between six and 12 inches in portions of south central and southwest Maine.

Snowbands are to bring periods of locally heavy snowfall, which will lead to rapid snow accumulations and extremely dangerous travel conditions, said the National Weather Service, in Gray.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," said the NWS. "The latest road conditions can be obtained by going to newengland511.org"

Weather

Today: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 4 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 31. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. 

Tonight: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 27. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible. 

Wednesday: Snow, mainly before noon. High near 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. 

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Christmas Day: A chance of snow showers between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 7.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 18.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of snow before 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 23.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13.

Sunday: Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Snow. Low around 21. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday: A 50 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 30.