BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — It truly is the calm before the storm today, as North Dakotans prepare for snow, ice and gusty winds that are forecast to rush into the state later Wednesday and continue into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service says it's a "clipper system" that's headed our way, a fast-moving line that will bring perhaps up to eight inches of snow through the northern half of North Dakota and possibly some freezing drizzle and icy roads in the south. A high wind warning is out for southwest North Dakota starting late Wednesday night and running through early afternoon on Thursday. "Winds will start to pick up, possibly up to 60 miles-per-hour, so strong winds a big concern in that southwest corner," says KX Meteorologist Stone Schafer. A winter weather advisory is also out for much of the area from Williston diagonally down to Bismarck and Jamestown. That runs from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. And there's a winter storm watch out for the northern tier of the state and, past Jamestown, for eastern North Dakota. That runs from 3:00 p.m. today through 6:00 p.m. Thursday. "That's part of the clipper system that's going to roll in right around midday today and give us snow, possibly five to eight inches in the north and ice possibilities to the south, with still the possibility of two inches of snow in the Bismarck and Mandan areas," Schafer notes. By Wednesday night, freezing rain will likely move into the southern part of the state, making travel difficult along the I-94 route due to a potential ice glaze. "If you have to travel late tonight, be prepared — I-94 could be very slick at times," Schafer says. "Hazardous road conditions are going to be possible through tonight and into Thursday morning." By Thursday morning, the system should be moving out of the state, leaving behind temperatures in the 20s and possibly into the 30s by the weekend. Stormy one day, calm the next — nothing out of the ordinary for North Dakota weather. If you're traveling later today or early tomorrow, make sure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. At home, be sure to have sand, salt, and shovels ready. If you have a snowblower, make sure it's easily accessible and ready to go. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW