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The winter storm watch issued earlier this week by the National Weather Service for Austin and the surrounding area has been upgraded to a winter storm warning.

The warning, which goes into effect at 9 a.m. this morning and ends at 6 a.m. Saturday.

The NWS is currently predicting 5 to 10 inches of snow, a slight downgrade from earlier predictions, starting today, mainly after 10 a.m. The first round of snow could dump 1 to 2 inches on the area with another 4 to 8 inches possible tonight night, with winds picking up into Saturday.

The NWS is predicting the heaviest amounts to fall along and north of the Interstate 90 corridor, with the heaviest band expected in that 5 to 12 inche range.

The area can expect a high of 31 Friday and a low of 23.

The snow, combined with the winds, could make travel difficult and reduce visibility.