BEATRICE, NE — The National Weather Service is increasing the snow totals in its latest forecast from Friday afternoon.

The NWS has issued Winter Storm Warnings for 43 Nebraska counties in advance of the storm, which is expected to hit the eastern half of the state in the early morning hours on Saturday.

The NWS says snow will begin to fall after midnight and last until around 6:00 PM with peak snow rates from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Forecasters expect southeast Nebraska to see the highest snow totals, ranging from six inches to as much as 10 inches in Nebraska City. Localized accumulations could reach 12 inches. The snow could be coming down heavy ,with pet rates around one inch per hour. Forecasters say it will be light and fluffy snow, resulting in prolonged blowing and drifting.

The storm will cause dangerous conditions for much of the state. Roads will be snow covered and slick and visibility could be severely reduced at times.

The NWS says wind gusts could reach 35-40 miles per hour on Saturday, causing blowing snow and dropping the wind chill to frigid levels. Northeast Nebraska will avoid most of the snow, but could see wind chills of -30 degrees on Saturday morning. Southeast Nebraska wind chills are expected -20 degrees.

Officials encourage Nebraskans to avoid unnecessary travel, keep skin covered when outside, dress in layers and keep pets inside.