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The National Weather Service is forecasting total snow accumulations of 10 to 16 inches for the Albert Lea area starting Tuesday evening and continuing through Thursday afternoon in what it is describing as a historic winter storm, according to an update released Tuesday morning.

The weather agency initiated a winter storm warning for Albert Lea starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday to noon on Thursday and stated travel could be very difficult to impossible.

The first round of snow is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon and taper off Wednesday morning before beginning again in the afternoon.

Significant drifting will occur due to heavy snow totals and strong winds gusting as high as 35 mph, and drifts may be several feet deep. Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches and cause power outages.

People are advised if they must travel to have a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone, and warm clothes or blankets with them. If someone gets stranded, they should stay with your vehicle.

Total snow accumulations of between 15 and 25 inches could occur in east central Minnesota and west central Wisconsin.

The Weather Service stated the storm is expected to be in the top 5 heaviest snow storms.