The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the Albert Lea area starting Thursday afternoon and continuing through early Friday morning.

Snow is expected to begin between 3 and 6 p.m. Thursday and continue through the evening before ending around midnight. The weather advisory continues through 3 a.m. Friday.

A total of 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected.

People should plan for slippery road conditions and reduced visibilities at times.

Road conditions can be found through the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s website at 511mn.org.

The weather advisory is in effect for Watonwan, Blue Earth, Martin, Faribault and Freeborn counties.