Forecasters upped the chance of snowfall in Bulloch County to a promising 90 percent after weather conditions changed Thursday. The Statesboro area could see up to four inches of snowfall by Saturday morning — enough that area children (and adults) would be able to make snowmen.
    Not to mention have snowball fights.
    Savannah meteorologist Pat Prokop said there is a "high percentage" of anywhere between two to four inches of snowfall across the southern region. National Weather Service meteorologist Pete Mohlin echoed Prokop's predictions, adding that snow is "looking a lot more likely" than it did earlier in the week, when weather experts were unsure of what the winter storm moving in would bring.
    The National Weather Service Internet Web site (www.noaa.gov) announced a "winter storm watch" and said there is a "slight chance of rain and snow before 10 a.m." today. While there is a 50 percent chance of precipitation — most likely rain with a little snow fluttering around, it won't stick because the wind will be slight and temperatures will hover around 47 degrees.
    But later tonight, rainfall will become snowfall between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Saturday, as temperatures plummet to 29 degrees.
    Mohlin said the snow will likely accumulate on grassy surfaces. Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn said driving should not be an issue, but if roadways become messy or dangerous, public safety road crews will be ready to handle the situation.
    Bridges ice quicker than roadways because of the air underneath, and he warned drivers to be aware of the conditions. If ice becomes an issue, sand will be scattered over bridges, he said.
    With snowfall of any significance at all being a rare sight in Bulloch County, the weather event is likely to attract a lot of excitement and attention, he said.
    The weather so far this year “has been very unusual, that's for sure," he said. "Just stay conscious of the weather, listen to news reports, and if there is any reason to stay off the roads, that is what I would advise. However, we don't have any anticipation of problems."
    The National Weather Service predicts Saturday to be sunny, with a high near 49 degrees. But a winter weather advisory is set for this afternoon and tonight into early Saturday morning for Bulloch, Candler, Screven, Jenkins, Effingham, Tattnall, Evans and other area counties.
    The weather advisory warns of possibly moderate to heavy snowfall, and possibly higher accumulation than predicted in some areas.   
     Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.