After a run of pleasant fall weather earlier this week, the National Weather Service is predicting an abrupt change in the weather for this weekend.

Showers are predicted through Thursday night with a high of 65 expected today, but after that things will shift quickly with temperatures dropping into the low 30s at night.

There’s even a chance of snow starting at as early as Friday.

With the sudden change in conditions, Austin Police Chief David McKichan is urging people that now is a good time to start thinking about getting vehicles prepared for winter.

“This is the time to get your vehicle prepared,” McKichan said. “Conditions can change rapidly.”

Among those things that McKichan suggests people be aware of is making sure that tires have plenty of tread and windshield wipers are in good working order, as well as needing to begin to consider returning a shovel and survival packs to the vehicle.

“This is a good time to recognize our weather is going to change,” McKichan said.

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation suggests these items to keep in your car in case of emergencies.

• Small Candles
• Small, sharp knife and plastic spoons
• Red bandanna or cloth
• Large plastic garbage bag
• Safety pins
• Whistle
• Snacks
• Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
• Plastic flashlight and spare batteries.

For more winter tips, visit https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/educational-materials/Documents/Winter-Survival-Brochure.pdf