The Minnesota Department of Transportation is warning motorists of difficult driving conditions that are expected to begin late Friday night and continue much of the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Freeborn, Steele, Rice and Goodhue counties, with Olmsted, Mower, Fillmore, Houston, Dodge, Winona and Wabasha counties under a winter storm watch.

The forecast calls for snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches of snow with additional ice accumulation.

Freezing rain could start Friday night and early Saturday.

Forecasted weather to the west and north is expected to be worse with at least 12 inches of snow possible and blizzard-like conditions. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will cause patchy blowing and drifting snow.

Motorists are reminded to drive with caution, be prepared for changing weather conditions and consult weather and road information before traveling.

MnDOT advises motorists to do the following:

• Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often without little warning.

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

• Slow down to a safe speed for the conditions present.

• Turn on your headlights, and wear your seat belt.

• Turn off cruise control.

• Don’t drive distracted.

The latest road conditions can be found here.