As of 6 a.m., Willmar snow is 4.5 inches, driving is difficult, storm warning to 6 p.m.

WILLMAR -- As of 6 a.m., Willmar had received 4.5 inches of snow, with heavy snow expected to continue through the morning hours.

According to the National Weather Service, the winter storm warning will remain in effect until 6 p.m. this evening. The heavy snow will be accompanied by sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, reducing visibility at times.

The additional snow could be 4 to 7 additional inches. The NWS shows other snowfall reports at 12 inches in Alexandria, 6 inches at Litchfield and 7 inches at Kimball.

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists to use extreme caution when driving in central Minnesota. Heavy blowing snow will reduce visibility and road conditions can change quickly.

Travel is not advised in Todd, Wadena, Morrison, Cass and Crow Wing counties. Driving conditions are listed as difficult, with snow, slippery conditions, ice and reduced visibility in west central Minnesota.

Roads in the city of Willmar have a layer of compacted ice and snow, and city snowplows are out removing snow and spreading sand.

MnDOT, county and city snow plow operators are doing their part to make highways safe. If they have to venture out, motorists should slow down to a safe speed, remember to stay alert for snowplows and be patient and give snowplows at least five car lengths behind the plow and stay out of the snow cloud.

Go to www.511mn.org or call 511 to get updated on road conditions. Read www.wctrib.com for more information throughout the day.