Albert Lea is now in a narrow band in the region expected to receive heavier snow as part of the winter storm slated to begin early Thursday morning.

The storm is expected to start as a wintry mix and change over to all snow.

Accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are now expected to fall along an axis, from Albert Lea, up through Ladysmith and Eau Claire in Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service. Outside of this area, accumulations are expected to be lower, with 1 to 3 inches expected.

The winter storm watch has worsened to a winter storm warning from Albert Lea to Red Wing and up through Barron County, Wisconsin. The warning is in effect from 3 to 6 a.m. Thursday. A winter weather advisory remains in effect for areas west of this line, encompassing Polk and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin and much of southern Minnesota.

According to the Weather Service, strong northwest winds will develop late tonight and continue through Thursday. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, resulting in blowing snow with brief whiteout conditions, especially across southeast Minnesota.

Temperatures are expected to plummet into the single digits and teens late tonight, which may cause freezing on area roadways.

The Weather Service said hazardous travel conditions are expected Thursday morning and afternoon. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety advises people to take precautions before driving by clearing snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals. People should drive with their lights on for best visibility.

If conditions are poor, do not travel unless it is necessary.

When on the road, the Department of Public Safety advises people to drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, increasing stopping distance between vehicles and use extra precautions when driving near snowplows.