MINNEAPOLIS— Heavy snow, sleet and gusty winds are testing the patience of morning commuters in the Twin Cities as residents to the south are dealing with the after-effects of an ice storm that knocked out power to thousands.

Forecasters expect snow totals will range from 3 to 5 inches in the southeast metro area to 6 to 8 inches in some western suburbs Thursday. Up to a foot of snow is expected to fall in west central and central Minnesota.

Challenging travel conditions are also canceling classes Thursday, including Mankato, Madelia, Le Center and Fairmount schools.

WCCO radio reported some interruptions in Metro Transit service in the Twin Cities because of icing on overhead power lines.