In this file photo from Dec. 21, 2013, Kansas Highway Patrol officers work a multi-car accident caused by icy conditions on the Kansas Turnpike east of Lawrence.

If you’re out driving and you begin to spin or slide, experts say the best course of action is to turn into the spin. But the best course of action, all agree, is not to be on the icy road in the first place, if you can help it.

Over the next few days Lawrence is expected to see a decent amount of freezing drizzle and rain. Yesterday, the National Weather Service in Topeka said it would not be surprising to see an inch of frozen rain.

An ice storm warning will be in effect for Douglas County from noon Friday to midnight on Sunday, according to the NWS.

In preparation for the storm law enforcement and emergency officials are offering a few pieces of advice for those bracing for the storm.

Douglas County Emergency Management said in a release the winter weather will likely hit the area in “three waves.”

“The first wave will most likely be very light and spotty, but could begin as early as Friday evening,” the release said.

While the first wave might be lighter it will serve as a foundation for dangerous travel conditions through the weekend, the release said. Then the second wave will likely hit Saturday afternoon and into the evening.

“This wave will be heavier and produce the most significant icing conditions,” the release said.

Alongside treacherous driving conditions tree damage and downed power lines can be expected, the release said.

“The final wave of precipitation will move through Sunday night into Monday morning, though we are expecting this to be primarily in the form of liquid rain,” the release said.

In a release the Lawrence Police Department encouraged area residents to buy “necessary items” before the freezing rain hits.

Once the freeze begins, LPD then encouraged residents to “take everyone’s advice and stay in this weekend.”

In another release the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office offered a few tips, reminding residents not to underestimate the weather.

“It’s Kansas, folks,” the release said. “You know it can get bad quickly.”

Though the sheriff’s office strongly encouraged motorists to avoid travel unless it’s absolutely necessary, it also offered a few tips for staying safe on the road.

“If you are in a wreck or a slide off, in most instances the safest place for you to be is in your car with your seat belt on,” the release said. “In bad weather, it’s not uncommon for other vehicles to wreck or slide off right where you did.”

The chances of injury or death increase greatly if you’re outside your vehicle, the release said.

“So buckle up and stay safe,” the release said.

I report on crime and courts for the Journal-World. I can be reached by email at cswanson@ljworld.com, by phone at (785) 832-7284 or on Twitter @Conrad_Swanson.