UPDATE: Watch upgraded to winter weather advisory

• Snow Removal

File Photo: Worthington High School junior Samantha Mejia, 17, of Worthington, removes snow from the windshield of her car early Wednesday afternoon following an early dismissal from class for District 518 students in Worthington. Many other schools from the area also released students early due to the snowfall. (Brian Korthals/Daily Globe)

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2:44 p.m.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The winter weather watch has been upgraded to a winter weather advisory for Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles, Jackson and Pipestone counties, starting at 9 a.m. Friday and ending at 6 a.m. Saturday.

Areas of snow are expected to develop Friday morning and continue through Friday night. Steady snow, which may be heavy at times, is expected Friday afternoon and evening. Snow should decrease late Friday night.

Snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches is expected, with the highest accumulations most likely around the Marshall and Windom areas.

Winds will generally be 15 miles per hour or less through Friday evening, but are likely to increase Friday night into Saturday and cause some drifting snow. Visibility may decrease to less than a mile in the falling snow.

A winter weather advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. People should be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving, the National Weather Service advised.

10 a.m. Winter weather watch issued for the area

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles, Jackson and Pipestone counties are under a winter storm watch beginning Friday morning and ending late Friday night, the National Weather Service stated.

Areas of snow are expected to develop late tonight and increase Friday morning. Steady snow, possibly heavy, is expected Friday afternoon and evening. Snow should decrease late Friday night.

Accumulations of 4 to 7 inches of snow are possible, with potential generally increasing from southwest to northeast.

Winds will generally be 15 miles per hour or less through Friday evening, but are likely to increase and cause some drifting snow late Friday night and Saturday as the snow decreases and ends. Visibilities may decrease to less than a mile in the falling snow.

A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.

The National Weather Service advises people to continue monitoring the latest forecasts.

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