The National Weather Service Office in Chanhassen is watching a series of weather systems it says will affect the Upper Midwest through the end of the week and could result in rapid snow melt.

After several vehicles crashed through the ice in state lakes recently, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding winter anglers to stay safe.

Here is a list of 10 tips the DNR is offering up to help make ice outings as safe as possible:

Snowfall is increasing in intensity today, according to the National Weather Service Office.

Snow will begin to accumulate moreso today and likely have greater travel impacts as snowfall rates increase during this long duration event. The snowfall is expected to become moderate across much of the area by mid to late morning and last through the afternoon and evening...gradually lightening in intensity overnight into Tuesday. Temporary heavy snow is possible in west and south central Minnesota today and tonight.

The National Weather Service Office is forecasting blowing and drifting snow today across West Central, Southwest and South Central Minnesota caused by northwest winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour. Snowfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected during the day and will provide the ammunition for the blowing and drifting, according to the NWS. The National Weather Service, wind chills tonight will range from 15 to 25 below zero.

The National Weather Service Center expects precipitation to spread across the region from west to east Friday night, lasting through the day Saturday. Surface temperatures are forecast to be right around the freezing mark Friday night, with rain or freezing rain occurring depending on the temperature.

The National Weather Service is forecasting freezing drizzle across the area today and this evening. A strong low pressure system will head our way for the weekend, bringing a more widespread and heavier batch of mixed precipitation, according to the NWS.

The National Weather Service forecasts, "Another plunge of Arctic air will pour across the area today."

The National Weather Service Office has issued a hazardous weather outlook for southern and southwestern Minnesota, including Carver County. Moderate to heavy snow is expected this afternoon and tonight, with blowing and drifting to occur overnight, according to the Weather Service (http://forecast.weather.gov).

Forecast from the National Weather Service Office in Chanhassen:

From the National Weather Service Office in Chanhassen:

Tonight: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 9pm. Low around 25. East northeast wind between 7 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.