With one of the biggest winter storms in recent history bearing down on Wisconsin this weekend, local officials have been making plans this week to ensure residents stay safe.

Snowfall totals as high as 24 inches are being predicted as a weather system begins dumping snow across the region from late Saturday night through Monday morning.

The National Weather Service adds that wind gusts up to 50 mph could create blizzard or near-blizzard conditions, as well as cause power outages and widespread travel disruptions.

The storm could rival an April 2018 system that brought more than 30 inches of snow to the area.

Door County Emergency Management Director Jeb Saelens says they are expecting blocked roads and downed power lines as a result of the snowfall — not just because of the depth, but because of its likely heaviness.

He is urging residents to plan ahead for the possibility of power outages and poor driving conditions that could last multiple days.

Saelens says officials are planning to open multiple warming shelters throughout the county if needed, with assistance from the American Red Cross.

For example, Door County Emergency Management is moving additional cots to Washington Island in preparation for the storm and the likelihood of additional trip cancellations for the Washington Island Ferry Line.