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School cancellations are coming in ahead of a winter storm that was expected to begin early Friday and linger into Saturday.

Albert Lea Area Schools will have an e-learning day, and Northwood-Kensett will also be in virtual learning. Lake Mills Community Schools, Alden-Conger School, Glenville-Emmons School and United South Central School will be closed.

According to the National Weather Service, accumulating snow was expected to begin in southern Minnesota around midnight Thursday, with snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches possible.

The area is under a winter storm warning through 6 a.m. Saturday, followed by a wind chill watch Saturday evening into Tuesday morning.

Winds could gust as high as 35 mph, bringing wind chills as low as 35 degrees below zero.

The snow is expected to fall at about half an inch per hour or less.

The Weather Service advises travel could be difficult with patchy blowing snow significantly reducing visibility.

Dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.