Winter weather over the weekend could impact holiday shoppers.

Mark Taylor, Director of Public Safety for Blair County, said drivers should avoid roads because it’s not worth the risk.

He said a concern for everyone this weekend is the combination of snow and ice.

Taylor said emergency services are prepared for winter weather conditions.

He said the 9-1-1 center is prepared to staff up and have people on standby to open their emergency operations center if necessary.

While he understands this is the last major shopping weekend for the holidays, he urges people to avoid commuting.

This time of year, it’s all about situational awareness and being focused on the weather and other drivers.

Taylor said people should not be focused on using their cell phones while driving, especially in poor weather.

There is also concern about fires.

Taylor reminded people to pay attention to Christmas lights and heaters, or anything that can get hot or short circuit.

“I think eliminating all those dangers is what we’re all trying to hope for, is that it’s a calm weekend in the 911 center and that we aren’t faced with a lot of accidents and fires and things due to the weather and those type of events,” Taylor said.