The chances for a white Christmas appear to be improving, but there will likely be a few white knuckles for area drivers first.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Mower County for 6 p.m. Wednesday through 6 p.m. Thursday.

The area is expected to receive 3 to 6 inches of snow, but the biggest hazard will likely be high winds gusting up to 40 mph, which will create the potential for whiteouts and blizzard-like conditions. Drifting could also be a hazard for drivers, especially in rural areas.

Heavier snow totals of 5 to 10 inches are expected in some areas, but forecasters have indicated the heaviest snow could stay to the south in parts of Iowa and Wisconsin.

The weather service is urging caution for area drivers, as roadways could be dangerous for commuters. Officials warn there could be road closures in some areas.

Local drivers already got a taste of winter weather Tuesday morning, as a few inches of snow caused multiple car crashes.