Update 3 p.m.
WILLMAR -- A winter storm warning remains in effect for parts of west central and central Minnesota today into Tuesday.
The area under the winter storm warning lies generally west of a line from Granite Falls to Little Falls, according to the National Weather Service office at Chanhassen.
The remainder of west central, central and south central Minnesota remain under a winter weather advisory, said the NWS.
The warning area of west central and central Minnesota will see periods of snow continuing late this afternoon and evening. The snowfall will persist into Tuesday morning, with snowfall amounts from 5 to 8 inches possible. Strong northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected tonight and Tuesday, which could result in blowing and drifting snow plus reduced visibilities.
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The area under the winter advisory will see occasional rain through the afternoon, with a transition to snow occurring this evening and later tonight. Light freezing rain is also possible. Snowfall amounts may reach 2 to 5 inches in area east of a line from Milaca to Buffalo to Redwood Falls.
Update: 10 a.m.
WILLMAR -- Six to 8 inches of snow, and winds up to 30 mph, are expected to impact west central Minnesota starting this afternoon. The storm may start as rain, but turn to snow tonight.
According to the National Weather Service office at Chanhassen, the heavy snow and strong northwesterly winds will create treacherous driving conditions in an area that includes northwestern Kandiyohi County, Swift, Chippewa, Yellow Medicine, Lac qui Parle, Stevens and Pope counties.
Three to 6 inches of snow, and possibly a combination of rain and snow, is expected in an area including Willmar and St. Cloud. Today's snowfall is expected to be 1 to 2 inches, with 3 to 7 inches expected tonight.
By midnight, rain will turn to snow and up to two inches of the white stuff is expected in the Twin Cities and much of southern Minnesota, including Rochester and Mankato.
The snowfall will taper off across the state by Tuesday evening.
