Update 3 p.m.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The National Weather Service has canceled the winter weather advisory affecting southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa, but areas of freezing drizzle will persist through Thursday morning.
The band of freezing rain, sleet and snow continues to lift to the north. Precipitation intensity has decreased across much of the area, with areas of freezing drizzle expected.
"The threat for widespread freezing rain, sleet and snow has ended across the area," the National Weather Service stated. "However, areas of freezing drizzle can be expected throughout the night, creating slick spots on untreated roadways.
Update 10 a.m.
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WILLMAR -- Freezing rain and drizzle is expected to reach an area from Madison to Granite Falls by this afternoon, according to a hazardous weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Chanhassen this morning.
The Weather Service reports that a line of freezing rain and sleet will begin lifting north into the region around noon. Ice accumulations of one to two tenths of an inch are expected. Some snowfall could follow.
The area most impacted is expected to be an area south of a line from Madison to Granite Falls through Mankato.
The weather service also issued a weather advisory for a larger area including the counties of Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Swift, Yellow Medicine counties. The wintry mix will persist across the region into the night, with some snow and sleet possibly lingering into Thursday morning. Only minor accumulation amounts are forecasts, but ice conditions are expected to make travel difficult.
The Weather Service is also watching an approaching low pressure front that is forecast to bring larger precipitation amounts to the region beginning late Friday.
