WILLMAR, Minn. - West Central Minnesota has received about four inches of snow by Saturday afternoon as forecasts called for more accumulation over much of the state.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Difficult driving conditions are reported throughout West Central Minnesota. Slippery roads from morning freezing rains are now snow covered. Some blowing and drifting snow expected towards Saturday evening. Travel is not advised unless necessary.
The National Weather Service recorded 9 inches of snow in Winona Saturday morning. Southeastern Minnesota was hit hard by snow late Friday and early Saturday after forecasts earlier Friday initially said the snow would start in heavy on Friday night.
Still, by Saturday afternoon the National Weather Service was still forecasting heavy snow later Saturday and much of Sunday, even issuing a report that said 'the worst is yet to come.' By the middle of Saturday afternoon snow was falling only sporadically in the Twin Cities and Mankato.
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Much of the southern half of the state did get periods of heavy sleet and freezing rain late Friday and early Saturday, making roads slippery and prompting the state Department of Transportation's regional office in Mankato to advise no unnecessary travel in southeastern and south central Minnesota.
The State Patrol was reporting dozens of accidents by noon Saturday, though there were no initial reports of fatalities.
The forecast for Willmar and surrounding counties is for breezy and snow Saturday afternoon. The new snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is expected. Highs 25 to 30. East winds 20 to 25 mph.
More snow is forecast for Saturday night. Areas of blowing snow will occur in West Central Minnesota. Snow will heavy at times during the evening with 6 to 9 inches expected. Lows will be 20 to 25 with northeast winds around 20 mph.
Snow will continue Sunday. Blowing snow will continue with snow accumulation of 2 to 3 inches. Total storm snow accumulation of 12 to 15 inches by Sunday afternoon. Highs around 25 with northeast winds of 15 to 20 mph.
Sunday night will be cloudy with some snow likely. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows 15 to 20 with northeast winds 5 to 15 mph.
Monday will be mostly cloudy with only 20 percent chance of snow. Highs around 25 with northeast winds 10 mph.
This story contains information from The Associated Press.
