Freeborn County remains under a winter weather advisory through 9 p.m. today, with freezing rain and sleet turning into snow. 

A potent, but fast moving system was expected to spread a band of snow into western Minnesota this morning and produce a period of heavy snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour over central Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service.

The heaviest snowfall was expected north of Interstate 94 with 3 to 5 inches possible.

Elsewhere in the advisory area — including Albert Lea — a quick 1 to 3 inches of snow was expected. Some sleet and freezing rain were also possible during the onset across portions of southern Minnesota.

Less than a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation was expected.

The Weather Service advised people to be prepared and use caution for slippery roads and limited visibilities.

Roads may become snow covered and slick.

Other cities in the winter weather advisory included Faribault, Waseca and Owatonna, along with all of central Minnesota and western Wisconsin.