A winter storm warning is in effect for Mower County, with the possibility of freezing rain tonight turning to snow driven by high winds on Saturday and into Sunday.

Austin, at the southwestern edge of the warning area, is expected to get between four and eight inches of snow by the time the storm ends on Sunday. But as much as a tenth of an inch of ice may precede the snow. Winds are expected to blow 20 to 30 mph out of the northwest, gusting to 40 mph on Saturday. That all equals blizzard-like conditions which are likely to make travel hazardous.

Conditions will worsen further late Saturday as temperatures plunge. Forecasts call for Saturday’s high to be in the mid-20’s, but the low Saturday night and into Sunday is forecast at 10 below zero with wind chills down to 30 below. Sunday’s high is forecast at zero.

The National Weather Service warning noted that the storm’s precise track might shift, meaning heavier — or lighter — snow for Mower County. Watch austindailyherald.com for updates through the day today and through the weekend. For road conditions, check the state Department of Transportation’s site: www.511mn.org