The Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel overnight Sunday as the area faces significant snowfall, strong winds and dangerously low temperatures.

Freeborn, Waseca, Blue Earth and Steele counties are under a winter storm warning through noon Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Snowfall is expected to range from 6 to 12 inches — at a rate of an inch an hour in some places — and winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Snow-covered roads will make travel difficult, and patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

MnDOT is asking motorists to stay back for snowplows at least 10 car lengths, slow down to a safe speed for conditions, turn off cruise control and not drive distracted.

People are asked to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

MnDOT also asks motorists to be certain their vehicles are “winter-worthy” and able to travel with heavy snow, as the anticipated record-setting cold includes dangerous wind chill levels.

A wind chill watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through Thursday morning, with wind chills as low as 60 degrees below zero likely in portions of central, east central and south central Minnesota.

The Weather Service states wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes.

The latest road conditions can be found here.