GALLIPOLIS — Punxsutawney Phil’s title of “seer of seers and prognosticator of prognosticators” looks to be intact with another blast of potentially harsh winter weather expected to hit the tri-county area this weekend. The pesky groundhog based in the Allegheny Mountains of western Pennsylvania allegedly saw his shadow on Feb. 2, which, according to tradition, means another six weeks of winter.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Meigs County and winter weather advisories for Gallia and Mason counties. The warning and advisories are in effect through 7 p.m. Saturday.

According to NWS meteorologists, Meigs County residents will see anywhere from 6-10 inches of precipitation by Saturday evening. A mixed bag of snow, freezing rain and sleet is forecast for today followed by snow tonight and Saturday.

Other counties in southeastern Ohio listed in the warning area are Athens, Jackson, Vinton and Washington.

Forecasters said the slow moving low pressure system trudging across the Mid-Ohio Valley toward the Mid-Atlantic region could leave 2-6 inches of snow and sleet in its wake in Gallia and Mason counties.

In addition to Ohio and West Virginia, the storm is expected to leave its mark on Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

Weather service forecasters predicted a 100 percent chance of snow and sleet for the tri-county today with high temperatures in the mid 30s. The 100 percent chance of precipitation continues tonight with lows expected to hover just below the freezing mark.

More snow is in the forecast for Saturday with highs not expected to exceed 32 degrees.

The tri-county will get a reprieve on Sunday with partly sunny skies in the forecast. However, there is a chance for snow Monday night followed by a chance for a mix of rain and snow Tuesday.

(On the Internet: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, www.noaa.gov)