Snowboots and umbrellas should be in toe this week. Suitcases, maybe not.

Hazardous travel is an expected result of the winter storm that will hit several southern Minnesota counties Wednesday through Christmas.

A National Weather Service (NWS) Winter Storm Watch is in effect through 6 p.m. Friday in Mower, Wabasha, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore and Houston counties.

The storm is expected to bring a mix of precipitation to the area, beginning Wednesday afternoon, transitioning back and forth between snow, sleet and freezing rain, said NWS meteorologist Dan Jones.

Estimates for snow and ice amounts were unclear as of Tuesday afternoon. The NWS did state that significant accumulations are likely.

Snow and ice-covered roads might make it difficult for anyone planning to make it home, or go away, for the holidays.

“Six to 10 inches of snow is possible, but it hinges on how much the precipitation is mixed. Sleet and freezing rain could lower the accumulations,” Jones said.

Temperatures are expected to hover near the 30s throughout the storm. When the system pulls east, the weather will cool back down.

The highs will be in the teens and snow is expected on and off throughout the weekend, Jones said.

For road conditions, drivers can visit www.511mn.org or call 511, as recommended by The Minnesota Departments of Public Safety (DPS) and Transportation (MnDOT).

DPS and MnDOT recommend the following for safe winter driving:

         Use seat belts

         Adjust speed to road and weather conditions.

         Keep a safe stopping distance between vehicles, and leave extra room for snow plows.

         Accelerate and decelerate slowly on icy/snow-covered roads.

         If skidding, motorists should remain calm, ease foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.

         Do not use cruise-control.

         Do not “power up” hills which may cause wheels to spin. Build momentum before reaching a hill and don’t stop while traveling uphill. Reduce speed going downhill.

         Know your brakes — keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of the foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

         Give yourself plenty of travel time — don’t put your schedule before safety.

         Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals.

         Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting.