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National Weather Service Meteorologist Evan Webb says another round of winter weather may be on its way to the area this weekend.

“An unusually strong storm system that’s going to bring rain, strong winds,” Webb said. “It’s possible that another Wind Advisory will be issued at some point late in the week, and then some much colder air behind that system over the weekend.”

With winter weather in the forecast, the U.S. Postal Service is asking customers to help mail carriers by clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs, and mailboxes.

Uneven surfaces, wet pavement, and snow and ice can pose a threat to postal service employees, so maintaining a clear path to the mailbox will help letter carriers maintain consistent delivery service. Customers that receive curbside delivery should remove snow piles to maintain access to mailboxes.

Additionally, post offices will be closed Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular operations will resume Tuesday.

The American Red Cross says the amount of people giving blood has dropped to its lowest point in the last 20 years, and the organization has declared an emergency blood shortage.

The Red Cross says a 40 percent drop in blood donation has created dramatic consequences for an already struggling blood supply, and new blood and platelet donations are needed to ensure lifesaving procedures are able to proceed without delay.

“Our cancer patients use blood on a regular basis,” said American Red Cross Account Manager Tammy Ritchie. “Any type of emergency or trauma into our emergency room, we have to make sure the blood is there when the patient gets there, because the need for blood doesn’t stop for any type of disaster.” 

The Red Cross says blood supplies are only available based on the generosity of people willing to roll up a sleeve and contribute. The process for new donors getting started is an easy one.

“They can schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS,” Ritchie said. “They’ll tell them the zip code they live in, and they can get them the blood drive closest to them.”

All who come to give blood during the month of January will be entered into a drawing to win a trip for two to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas. Visit RedCrossBlood.org for more details.

Area officials are teaming up to support people in need of shelter from the upcoming winter weather.

“Due to the exceptionally cold temperatures our region is expected to experience between Sunday, January 14 and Tuesday, January 16, the City of Elizabethtown, City of Radcliff, and City of Vine Grove have collectively established a fundamentally consistent procedure to assist those without adequate shelter,” said Elizabethtown Police Department Public Information Officer Chris Denham. 

Any citizen who is displaced and in need of assistance should contact one of the following phone numbers:

-City of Elizabethtown residents may call 270-765-4125

-City of Radcliff residents may call 270-351-4477

-City of Vine Grove residents may call 270-877-2252

Any Hardin County resident who resides outside of a municipality’s city limits may contact the police department for the city closest to them.

Residents should remember to take precautions ahead of the winter weather, including winter-proofing water pipes and getting emergency kits together for your home or vehicle.