ALLIANCE, Neb. — A winter storm sweeping across the Nebraska Panhandle and southeastern Wyoming is expected to continue through Friday, with some areas forecasted to receive near a foot of snow.

According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest snow totals are expected along the U.S. Highway 20 corridor, including Dawes, Sheridan and Box Butte counties. Alliance and Hemingford remain under a Winter Storm Warning until 11 a.m. Friday, with 6 to 10 inches of snowfall possible and wind gusts reaching 40 mph.

Dawes and Northern Sioux counties could see even higher totals, with an additional 6 to 12 inches expected, while Sheridan and Western Cherry counties could accumulate up to 11 inches before the storm exits Friday evening.

Areas further south, including Scotts Bluff, Banner and Morrill counties, are under a Winter Weather Advisory, with 3 to 5 inches of snow and gusts up to 35 mph through Friday morning.

Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibility, creating hazardous driving conditions. Officials are urging residents to delay travel if possible.

Due to worsening conditions, Chadron State College, Hemingford Public Schools and Western Community Health Resources in Chadron have announced closures for Friday. The Crawford Livestock Market has postponed its March 7 sale to March 14.

In Alliance, city officials have declared a snow emergency until 5 p.m. Friday, requiring vehicles to be removed from designated snow routes to allow for plowing. Violations could result in fines or towing.

Snowfall is expected to taper off Friday night into Saturday morning. Forecasters warn of another round of high winds returning early next week.