Forecast calls for at least 6 inches of snow

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in Albert Lea and much of the surrounding area.

A strengthening storm system is expected to move northeast from the central rockies west to the Great Lakes Monday and Tuesday, with significant snow accumulations possible over much of central and southern Minnesota. The Chanhassen bureau of the Weather Service is forecasting between 6 and 8 inches of snow for the Albert Lea area. The highest amounts of snow will be in southwestern Minnesota.

According to the Weather Service, snow is expected to develop around 6 a.m. Monday and then diminish around midnight Tuesday night. The heaviest snowfall rates will occur between noon and 6 p.m.

Motorists can expect significant reductions in visibility at times and should plan on difficult driving conditions, including during the evening commute on Monday.

If people must travel, the Weather Service advised keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state can be obtained by calling 511 or visiting www.511mn.org.

The storm warning is in effect for Rice, Waseca, Steele and Freeborn counties.