Albert Lea and the surrounding area is under a winter storm watch as freezing rain and snow are expected to move into the area Wednesday night.

Precipitation is expected to begin as rain and change to all snow, some of which may be heavy at times tonight through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service. A thin glazing of ice is possible in advance of the snow.

Strong winds are expected to be found from west central to south central Minnesota, where winds could gust to 40 mph. This may result in widespread blowing snow and possible whiteout conditions, and wind chill values could dip as low as 16 below zero, the weather agency stated.

Freeborn and Waseca counties are expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of snow, though as much as 7 inches of snow could fall in a narrow corridor including New Ulm and Mankato, according to the Weather Service.

The agency advised people to plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Thursday.

Temperatures will dip to 15 degrees Wednesday night and Thursday before decreasing to highs in the single digits Friday and Saturday and lows below zero. There is a smaller chance of snow Friday night.