The Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use caution while driving today as several inches of snow are expected to impact travel today across southern Minnesota.

Freeborn, Waseca, Steele, Faribault and Blue Earth counties are under a winter storm warning, according to The National Weather Service, with snowfall amounts of 5 to 8 inches likely.

Snow is quickly spreading east across southern Minnesota this morning, with the heaviest snow expected this afternoon. The snow is expected to taper off this evening.

“We want motorists to be prepared for the changing road conditions across southeast Minnesota to be sure their drive is safe and uneventful,” said Drew Fischbach, maintenance superintendent in MnDOT’s District 6 east.

MnDOT advises people to remember the following:

• Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often with little warning.

• Stay back at least 10 car lengths from a plow. Don’t drive into a snow cloud.

• Slow down to a safe speed for conditions.

• Turn on headlights, and wear your seat belt.

• Turn off cruise control.

• Don’t drive distracted.

Road conditions can be found on MnDOT’s website here.

Look to the Tribune for more information as it becomes available.