Winter is almost here. Here's how to drive in cold, icy or snowy conditions, Columbus, Franklin County and National Weather Service officials said.

When you need to hit the road and winter weather makes for a tricky commute, driving can be dangerous. Rick August, owner of Smart Drive Test, joins FOX Weather to talk about some tips for driving safely so you can avoid a crash or delays during winter weather.

On Friday at 10:08 p.m. EST an updated winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until Saturday at 5 a.m. EST for Leelanau, Benzie and Manistee counties.

Hazardous winter weather was expected through early Wednesday, according to forecasters. The storm had dropped a wintry mix of precipitation across the Midwest overnight.

An updated winter weather advisory was released by the NWS Blacksburg VA on Saturday at 5 a.m. in effect until 8 a.m. The advisory is for Stokes, Rockingham and Caswell counties.

With La Niña conditions likely this winter, the WRAL Severe Weather Center is predicting a below-average snowfall of 1 to 3 inches for central North Carolina, less than the 5 to 6 inches considered normal.

Snow accumulations and blowing snow are expected, according to the National Weather Service. These areas are expected to 2 to 4 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches expected in Emmet County. Drivers should be cautious of slippery road conditions and the possibility of reduced visibility due to the blowing snow.

At 8:13 p.m. on Thursday, the NWS Raleigh NC released an updated winter weather advisory valid from Friday midnight until Saturday midnight. The advisory is for Person, Granville, Vance, Warren, Halifax,