Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Weather forecasters are getting more certain of the track of the first winter storm of the season to hit Minnesota.

The storm is expected to begin impacting northwest Minnesota Thursday and the system will gradually move across the state, affecting all areas Friday.

Right now, it appears the southeastern corner will just be sideswiped by the storm as more rain than snow is expected.

But the National Weather Service says areas west of Rochester could receive 1- 3 inches of snow Friday. Heavier totals are expected in northern Minnesota with as much as half a foot in some areas.

Cold weather is also expected across the entire state for the final weekend of October with lows dipping into the teens in northern cities. Low temperatures in the Rochester area through the weekend are expected to be in the 20s, the coldest since March.

With updates at the top and bottom of the hour, listen to Newstalk 1340 KROC-AM for the latest local and national news.

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