NEWBERRY — Local officials are watching the weather and warning drivers as some forecasters are predicting frozen perception Friday.

The National Weather Services said late Thursday that Newberry County could see freezing rain before 1 p.m. and there is a 50 percent chance of rain. Also freezing rain could return after 10 p.m. Friday. But in both cases the forecast calls for less than a tenth-of-an-inch of rain.

The high temperature on Friday should be around 34 F and the low on Saturday around 29 F.

“The intelligence says we have no concerns and no accumulation, but we know it is unpredictable,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “All our supervisory staff know what to do in the case of inclement weather and they have been advised of the possibility. Regardless of the weather conditions, it may be wet. Everyone needs to understand that even without ice, wet weather increases accident opportunities. Slow down and give more space to stop.”

“If you don’t have to go out, stay at home” is the best advice if road are bad, according S.C. Highway Patrol Lance Corporal T.C. Keller.

Sgt. Chuck Rogers of the Newberry Police Department reminded drivers to allow for more travel time if weather conditions are icy, leave more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you and to drive five mph to 10 mph slower than normal.

“We are monitoring the weather very closely,” said Debra Shaw, spokeswoman for the Newberry Electric Cooperative. “We have our own crews ready to respond, as well as contract crews to assist if the need arises.”

The sun should return Saturday and Sunday with a highs of 49 F. Temperatures will hover just below 60 F on Monday.