Be prepared for the white stuff

It would be a good idea to do your errands, such as shopping — grocery, holiday or otherwise — early today.

Buy gas. Make sure the snowblower starts.

Might be wise to put some salt and sand in your trunk, just in case. And a shovel.

If you have to drive, go easy. And give the plow drivers plenty of space. They might need it.

A winter storm warning is in effect from 4 p.m. today to 4 a.m. Monday.

The white stuff is supposed to start in the afternoon, with snow accumulation around an inch. The chance of snow near 100 percent.

Tonight’s when it gets dicey: snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain. Snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is expected, says the National Weather Service in Cleveland. Ice accumulation should be less than one quarter of an inch.

Sunday, there will be occasional snow and blowing snow. Freezing rain and sleet are possible in the morning, with additional snow accumulation likely. Blustery with highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

The snowfall is expected to end Monday.

The calendar says winter begins Dec. 22. Looks like it’s coming here early.