Winter storm: 8-inch snowfall expected Friday in Willmar and west central Minnesota

Update 3 p.m.

Much of west central Minnesota remains in a winter storm watch from Friday through Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Significant snowfall of 6 or more inches is likely across much of central and southern Minnesota.

The snowfall will begin across western Minnesota Friday morning and spread eastward during the day.

The heaviest snow is projected to be near a line from Alexandria through Willmar, Hutchinson, Mankato and Albert Lea. Communities near this line could see snow fall of 8 inches or more, according to the weather service.